Perkins
••• • • ••• •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • •
SCHOOL
FOR THE
BLIND
Samuel P. Hayes Research Library
Perkins School for the Blind
175 N. Beacon Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Photographs: Right: Nella Braddy Henney. Left: Helen Keller, Henney and Polly Thomson.
Nella Braddy Henney Collection, Box 13
Series 1: Original Correspondence
Box 13: Folder 1-25: Correspondence from Keller, articles, notes, 1914-
1960
Correspondence with and about Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Henney was Sullivan’s
biographer and a close friend of Keller and Sullivan for many years.
Visit: httpi/Avww . Dcrkinsarchives.org/nbh.html for complete finding aid
TITLE: Nella Braddy Henney Colleclion Finding Aid
CREATOR: Nella Braddy Henney; Keith Henney
DATE RANGE: 1903-1976
CALL NLIIMBER: AG151
PROVENANCE: Donated by Keith Henney, Nella Braddy Henney's spouse, circa 1975.
SCOPE AND CONTENT:
The Nella Braddy Henney Collection is comprised of correspondence, notes, photographs, articles,
clippings, publications, and other materials related to Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, Polly Thomson,
and Nella Braddy Hemiey. The correspondence spans the years of 1 927 to 1969, and is to and from Helen
Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, Polly Thomson, and Nella Braddy Henney between themselves and others.
The notes, photographs, articles, clippings, publications and other materials relate to the lives of Helen
Keller, Anne Sullivan Macy, Polly Thomson and Nella Braddy Henney, and are interspersed throughout the
collection, as well as within their respective series.
The extensive correspondence collection contains letters, memos, and notes in relation to Braddy Henney’s
work for Helen Keller during Keller’s lifetime, and on research for Braddy Henney’s book, Anne Sullivan
Macy: The story behind Helen Keller (1933). Keller’s correspondence includes letters with others, such as
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain; copies), Perkins Directors Edward E. Allen and Gabriel Farrell, Charles F.
F. Campbell, actress Katherine Cornell, and other notable people. These letters were forwarded to Nella
Braddy Henney for use while working on her book.
Nella Braddy Henney’s personal journal entries are included in this collection, and supplement the
correspondence. These journal entries span the years of 1938 and 1962.
The photograph collection includes portraits, publicity photographs with prominent individuals, materials
related to film projects in Hollywood, advocacy for blinded veterans, many casual images from visits to
Helen Keller’s Arcan Ridge and Forest Hills homes, and trips to Martha’s Vineyard with Eleanor
Roosevelt. Many of the photographical items can be attributed to the work of Keith Henney.
RELATED MATERIALS:
Helen Keller Photograph Collection (AG62)
Helen Keller Photograph Collection on
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/perkinsarchive/collections/7215762731 01 17390/
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: About 15 linear feet.
LANGUAGE: English
PROCESSING NOTE: Legacy finding aid by Ken Stuckey, ca. 1975, updated by Emily Carta. 2015,
updated by Molly Stothert-Maurer, 2013, 2015.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE:
Nella Braddy Henney (1894-1973) first met Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller, and Polly Thomson in 1924,
when she came to the Sullivan-Keller-'fhomson household to write Sullivan’s biography Anne Sullivan
Mdcy: The story behind Helen Ac^//er (1933). Quickly mastering the manual finger language, she kept
Keller in touch with the political, literary, and scientific world around her. She remained in Keller’s life, as
a friend, and also as Keller's power of attorney, acting agent for all Keller’s literary matters, until 1963.
She was married to Keith Henney, also a writer and editor, as well as a photographer who took many
photographs of Helen Keller. She died in 1973.
RESTRICTIONS:
None
COPYRIGHT:
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of the copyright (the
institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors).
The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Perkins School for the Blind, its officers, employees, and
agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he or she is an owner of copyright.
CREDIT LINE/CITATION:
Helen Keller Photo Collection. Perkins School for the Blind.
SUBJECT HEADINGS:
Keller, Helen. 1880-1968.
Macy, Anne Sullivan, 1866-1936
Henney, Nella Braddy, 1 894-
Perkins School for the Blind
Thomson, Polly
ARRANGEMENT:
4 series, one appendix, 20 boxes and 36 binders. Note: Nella Braddy Henney is abbreviated NBH
Series 1 ; Original Correspondence
Series 2: Photocopies of Correspondence
Series 3: Photograph Collection
Series 4: Publications
CONTAINER LIST:
Series 1: Original Correspondence
Box 13: Folder 1-25: Correspondence from Keller, articles, notes. 1914-1960
B13: FI : NBFI Correspondence: from Helen Keller. Sullivan. & to John Macy, 1914 -1934
B13:F2: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller to Holmes, 1930
B13;F3: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller, Sullivan , 1956 - 1957
B13:F4: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller, Sullivan, 1952
Note: Helen Keller's raw material for "My Tour Around the Globe”
B13:F5: NBH Correspondence: from Flelen Keller, Sullivan, 1950 - 1952
B13:F6: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller to NBH, April 1955
B13:F7: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller & Polly Thomson to NBH, 1957 - 1960
B13:F8: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller to NBH, Hiroshima, 1941 - 1949
B13:F9: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller, 1960
Note: contents address Helen Keller’s canceling of NBH’s power of attorney.
B13:F10: NBH Correspondence: from Helen Keller, Sullivan, 1888, 1933 - 1938, 1953 - 1954
B13:F11:NBH Correspondence: Articles: 1933 -1957
B13:F12: NBH Correspondence: Articles: 1933 - 1957
B13:F13: NBH Correspondence: Articles: 1933 - 1954
B13:F14:NBH Correspondence: Articles: 1933, 1956- 1957, 1966
Note: “by and about Keller, Thomson, Sullivan Macy
B13:F15: NBH Collection: notes for Sullivan Macy publication
B13:F16: NBH Collection: Notes for Sullivan Macy publication - Howe Family
B13:F17: NBH Collection: notes for Sullivan Macy publication, Ireland
B13:F18: NBH Collection: notes for Sullivan Macy publication - the South and Tuscumbia
Note: “The South and Tuscumbia and other statements of Teacher (Amie
Sullivan)”
B13:F19: NBH Collection: notes for Sullivan Macy publication: Teacher’s notes, Tewksbury & others
B13:F20: NBH Correspondence: notes for Sullivan Macy publication - Sullivan Macy’s sayings & poems
B13:F21: NBH Correspondence: notes for Sullivan Macy publication
B13:F22: NBH Correspondence: notes for Sullivan Macy publications - Perkins Institution
B13:F23: NBH Correspondence: notes and other materials for Sullivan Macy publication
B13:F24: NBH Correspondence: notes and other materials for Sullivan Macy publication
B13:F25: NBH Correspondence: notes and other materials for Sullivan Macy publication
Exclusion note:
Folders 11-19 and 21-25 are available to
researchers in person only. These are
publieations and clippings and book drafts.
Sorry for the ineonvenienee.
Best,
Arehives Staff
Appleton, Wisconsin, January **5, 1914.
Dear John,
Mother has read your letter to her to me from
beginning to end. It has amazed me and filled my heart
with sorrow. If you ever loved Teacher or me, I beseech
you to be calm, fair, kind, to consider what you have said
in that letter.
You are wrong, John, in thinking that Teacher has
tried to influence me against you. She never has. She
has always tried to make me see how very good and helpful
you have been to us both. She has impressed it upon me
that very few men would have endured ray foolish tears, my
fussy and exacting ways as you have all these years, and I
love you for it. She never told me that she thought
you pushed me out of my place at the table one night at
the apartment until mother read it in your letter I I
know you put me in a seat away from you: but I thought it
natural that you should have Mrs. White beside you, as she
was a guest, and I think so now. But it hurt Teacher to
think that you should have any one else in my seat when I
was to be at home only a few days.
As to my voice, you know, John, and every one else
knows that for twenty years we worked hard together to
make it better. She never claimed to know anything about
the science of the voice. She simply tried, as you your-
self used to try, in every
way possible to help me speak better, and I love her
for It, Mr. \7hite has often expressed to me in
glowing words the warmest enthusiasm for her work, and
his indignation that some people did not give her the
credit for it. She gives him full credit in every
lecture as a fine voice teacher, and she loves to do it.
No, there has rc been any "unintelligent nagging" or
nagging of any kind about my voice. Please, please be
fair, be just.
You say you can "never explain to me what your life
with Teacher has been." I remember that in spite of many
hard trials in the past we have had happy days, many of
them, vsiien we three seemed to feel in each other's hand-
clasp a bit of heaven. Have you forgotten it all,
that you should say such bitter things about my tea-
cher, about her wdio has made my darkness beautiful and
rent asunder the iron gates of silence. Have you for-
gotten all the sunshine, all the laughter, all the
long walks, drives and jolly adventures, all the
splendid books we read together. Have you forgotten
how exultantly you used to say, after you had helped me
with a difficult task; "There! we are happy now be-
cause we have a piece of faithful workmanship to show."
Have you forgotten that at times, vrtien we had all been
impatient, you would say to me; "If we were not a
trouble to each other, we could not love as we do."
I know how Imperious, changeable and quick-
tempered Teacher is. I have suffered just as much from
those failings as you have: but my love for her has
never wavered, never will. Perhaps she owes her
success to some of those very failings. You know — you
have often told me as much — that the education of a deaf
blind child is a tremendous strain upon the faculties and
the health of the teacher, and that only a few can stay
with such a child more than a year or two. Only
Teacher's splendid vigor has made it possible for her to
stick to her colossal task during twenty-six years.
Think of it!
You say that she "has never been a wife to you, or
done any of the things that a woman might be expected to
do." You know, we have shared everything we had with you.
You have helped us in all our literary work, and all
that has come from it has belonged to you as much as to
us. You know, too, that you have dictated as freely
as we have what ought to be done with anyn gains we had
from our work, and we have looked up to you in all our
problems, all our difficulties, all our under-
takings. Do you remember that I refused to take
lessons from Mr. Devol years ago because you so evi-
dently disapproved of the plan. If you still think I
am "dominated" by Teacher, this proves that you yourself
have done it, and I love you none the less for it.
Again; Teacher does not like the lecturing: but she was
glad to do it last year when she thought that some
money would take you to Italy and give you the change you
desired, I copied all the letters she wrote to you last
summer, often with her tears running over my hand. She
really felt that she was doing and saying things to make you
happy and bring you back to us again well and strong.
And now you say that "she has played a game" — that she
has been untrue to youl
Be careful, John, what you say. If you love me, as
you tell mother you do, be careful. The world before
which we three stand will certainly judge what we do and
say, and I believe that the world will judge fairly of
us, as it always has.
I know that in the past year Teacher has changed in
some essential respects. By talking with her daily I
have learned that you have helped her to see the world,
the workers and economic, social and moral conditions as
she never saw them before. Living so close to her as I
do, I can prove, absolutely prove, that she has new
aims, a new conviction, a new vision of life, a new
ideal and a new inspiration to service, and you will
know it too some day. Believe me, John, from this work
the great jury of the world will pass its verdict upon
her actions and sentiments, and upon yours. They will
also say that this trouble is my affair; Teacher is my
affair; you are my affair, just as all suffering
humanity is my affair.
Now, dear, you have every one of Teacher's fai ings,
as I can show you from my experience with you: and
your letter has proved that you have more grievous ones
than she has, and I still cherish you. When I first
heard your letter, I thought you had destroyed my love for
you. Once you said you were a sworn foe to all \^o brought
such charges against Teacher, and I thought I was too.
But now I know you have not killed my love, and you never
can. Does not love — true love — suffer all things, be-
lieve all things, hope all things, endure all things.
Love suffers long and is patient. It gives without
stint, without measure and asks for nothing in return.
It expects only good from the dear one through all trials and
disillusionments. W'ith such a love I cling to you, as
I cling to Teacher. You and I are comrades
journeying hand in hand to the end. When the way is
dark, and the shadows fall, we draw closer.
Of course I do not ask you to give Teacher what you
cannot give. Why should I. Why should any one. It is
something over which you have no control. But you
certainly did give us something better when you were in
New York last December. You did more for us unex-
pectedly in little ways than ever before, and I knew
then that you had a new, nobler feeling. Oh, John,
recall that feeling, foster it more and more, give up
everything for it, and believe me, undreamed sweetness
and peace shall come into your life. It shall no
longer seem to you "a poor life." I have lived to know
that love which is love indeed casts out the ghosts of
dead affections, dead hopes, wasted years and disapp inted
ambitions. Let your heart speak for "my Helen" as you
so fondly call me, prompt you to exceed what you have
thought you could do, match my love with your own for us
both, as you once said you would. I have unfaltering
faith in you. One day you asked me to trot in the same
team with you, and now I ask you. Whether you xhoose to
or not, I promise that you shall find me unchanged.
Affectionately,
"Billy."
Milwaukee, February 8, 1914.
Dear John,
I found your letter awaiting me at Gales-
burg. It made me wretched, and I have not had a
moment's peace of mind since. I confess, I had
hoped for a gentler, more magnanimous answer. I have
said little about it to Teacher. She is wretched
too, and seems to think that there is nothing to be
gained by discussion. But I have had several talks
with mother, and we both feel that your attitude to-
wards Teacher is hard and unreasonable.
Perhaps I ought not to write you what I think. But
you know it is ray nature to speak ray mind, and
there are some things I want to say before we drop
the subject.
I may perhaps never know all that you have suf-
fered the past ten years. But what I do know is
that all has not been suffering, I have a good
memory, and I remember distinctly that we have ha-^
many, many bright days together. In spite of all
that you may say to the contrary, the happy days
outnumber the unhappy ones, M 'ov^ n •• you have
always acknowledged 11118, and you would still if you
could only put (hose hard feelings out of your heart.
1
ITever, eirce T hr>vp krov.ri yov, hr^ve you nude Buch
fVi’eepir-i; charces araiuH';. Teacher. You say; "She has
not played fair." I do not- know what you moan. You
do not explain, except that you say you cannot trust
her. Practically you call her "a living lie, " as
Mr. Anagnos used to call me. You do not use those
words; but that is what you imply.
You, her husband, my brother, dare to say such
things about your wife, my teachorl And further,
you declare that you can "abundantly prove" what you
say. This you cannot do because it is a lie, and
when you come to your senses, John, you will >now
this. I have lived with her twenty-six years.
Mother has known her as long, and loves her and
trusts her implicitly. No one can be "a living lie"
and keep the affection of her near friends during all
that time. We realize how quick-tempered and
changeable Teacher is. V«e know that when she gets
angry, she blurts out things which she does not mean
in the very least. But we also know that she bears
no malice, and is quick to ask forg' '.'>-.'5, You
once said to me; "When Teacher gets mad, she says
wrong things blindly. But I go and say mean things
to a man with ray eyes wide open."
Three selfish men, whom neither you or I respect.
brought charges against her similar to those ■which you now
make, and you know how false they were because you had
the facts before you, and you told me how flimsy and
contemptible the charges were. You fought her battle
then, and I thought you had a knightly heart. What has
happened to youm John, to justify such cruel, suspicious
language?
IText, you ■write; "It is Teacher's act i/rtiich involves
separation from me." But she did not tell mother or me
that she would not return to the apartment. In fact,
mother did not know that she had asked you to consult a
lawyer until the lawyer's letter reached Teacher in De-
troit. Of, course we understand that a divorce in-
volves separation. But that is a very different
matter from ■what you say. You tell me that "she left my
house with the express and final decision never to re-
turn." She did not say so to mother or to me or to any
other person that we know of, unless she said it to you,
and we do not know about that. But even if she did say
so to youm how could you believe that we would never
come back to the apartment? Where else could we go?
The apartment is full of our things, and we think of it
as our home-- not a happy home, to be sure, but all
the home we have in the world. Mother and I both
understand that Teacher and I are to return in May.
You say you have "an absolute contempt for the law,
its sanctions and releases." Yet you seem to think the
law a good thing for Teacher. You fling out legal
terms about her acts as if they were words to conjure
with. You obey your attorney’s orders and write to her
only with his permission. She has not consulted a law-
yer, except through you, and she does not know the legal
bearings of her acts, except as you interpret them.
You assert that all these difficulties would be
easier to bear "if Teacher would think straight and
think honestly. I think they would vanish away if you
would think kindly and generously. I may not under-
stand all your difficulties. But certainly I am in-
telligent enough to understand some of them, and I am as
well able as any one else to judge the merits of "wdiat
you say.
I do not want you to think, John, that I am trying
to interfere in a matter which concerns you and Teacher.
But the relation of us three is so close, so unusual
that I feel I have some right to speak my mind, as a
sister might to her brother.
You say that my love for you and your love for me is
5
not in question. In one sense that is true: but in
another sense it is not true. For I have loved Teacher
dearly through all the circumstances of our life to-
gether, and her happiness is bound up with mine.
Again, you say that "the question of my voice is not
essential to this matter." That is very true. What
right, then, had you to write in your letter to
mother about Teacher's "unintelligent nagging having a
bad effect upon my voice? Because you mentioned it,
I referred to it in my letter to you. Come to think
of it, had it not been for Teacher's "unintelligent
nagging" for twenty years, Mr. White would have had no
voice to work upon! The fact of the whole matter is,
your mind is so prejudiced that everything seems
wrong to you now.
You tell me that our contracts with the Pond Bureau
were signed before any of us dreamed of your going to
Europe. Of course that is true. But what I said in
my letter to you is perfectly true too. We were both
glad and happy to do work which wo hated when we
thought that some money would take you to Italy and
give you the change you desired. Your answer is a
quibble.
As to the money question, mother knows, and every
6
one of our friends knows that Teacher is generous to a
fault. You speak of her making "a disgraceful row on
two occasions" when you proposed to send some money to
your mother. You say nothing about the many times that
money was sent to your family when Teacher did not
"make a disgraceful row! " You know, John, and I
know that she helped your family even before she was
married. You should remember that during the years which
followed it was often very difficult for us to pay our
own bills, and still we had your family to help. You
should also remember, John, that when you were in
Schenectady, and we were still in debt, you never sent
us any money, though of course you may have paid some
bills that I did not know of. Afterwards we paid your
debt to Mrs. Hopkins, and we were glad to do it, and we
have always been glad to do ^irtiatever we could to help
you, even if Teacher sometimes made "a disgraceful row."
I realize that she was very extravagant. But so were
you, and she herself got the money to pay most of our
bills. You tell me she ackno%vledged in a letter to
you "that it had never occurred to her until last year
that you had any independent rights in our money." You
ought to remember that nevertheless, all these years
ALL the money we had has gone to pay our expenses, y(?urs
7
as well as Teacher’s and mine. Since we have had more
money, there has really been no question about your
ri;jht to send money to your "smily or to any one else,
and you .’:ave av^iiled yourseli of that right, have you
not? Teacher's talk about, and her attitude towards
money has never been "evil and sordid." You will find
it difficultra if not impossible, to convince any of her
friends of the truth of that astateiaent. If it were in
part time, siie would be a rlcli ’ranan today. She would
have married riches, and she could have secured money
from many sources if she had made the least concession
to those ^o have it in abundance. You ought to be
asheimed to use such words.
As to the checks you speak of. Teacher told mother
that she destroyed them because she thought that if
there was to be a separation, you would not be the one
to attend to our business. But later, when you spoke
to her about it, she thought that it would not make
any difference one way or the other: so she made the
checks out again. She told me some months ago that
she was sorry she had not letc you manage our finan-
cial affairs from the beginning. But neither mother
or I see ythy she should. She also said she was sorry
she had made such expensive «xx changes in our house.
8
But that is past and over. All this talk about money
is very painful to me, and I hope I shall never have to
refer to it again. But my sense of justice compels me
to state the facts in face of your charge that she
has been ungenerous.
I confess, I cannot feel very sorry if you were a
little insulted because, as you must see from the facts
before you, you have been pretty prodigal with your in-
sults to her.
The idea of her changing her opinions, her attitude
towards life "to get the better of you," as you put it
in your letter to mother, is preposterous. What do
you mean by "to get the better of met" If it means to
live more peaceably with you, I consider it a wonder-
ful piece of self-effacement. But I know she is not
made that way. She never in her life changed her
opinions in order to get peace or happiness. It is
past belief that you should think any such thing even
for a moment. You say to me that you "cannot know
what is in the mind of another person." Yet in your
letter to mother you a cused Teacher of changing her
opinions "to get the better of you," That is a little
inconsistent, John, is it not?
Teacher's difficulty now is not that you no longer
9
love her, but that your vAiole attitude towards her is
one of distrust and suspicion. Yet her love for
you has survived all this wreck and misery and confu-
sion, and I must say I am surprised. She never talks
unkindly to me or, I believe, to any one else about you.
And here are your two letters full of harsh things
about her, which you reiterate over and over as if you
enjoyed saying themi The trouble with you is, you have
apparent3.y conceived an antipathy for her. That is
vdiat makes it impossible for you to live and work and
be decent.
To sum up, mother and I feel that Teacher has had
something to bear on her side as you have on yours.
The faults you have are such that they have made it
difficult for her to live with you quite happily.
You should not forget that some of the "disgraceful
rows" you talk about so much arose out of your incon-
siderateness and self-indulgent habits. I know that
those habits often upset our housekeeping, and that
they would have tried the temper of any housewife.
Perhaps they seem trivial to your masculine mind: but
to a woman nothing is trivial that upsets the order of
her household and brings confusion into the family life.
I love you both, I always shall, and I did think
lo
that you both loved me well enough to hold my hands
and support my weakness through all the years allotted
to me. Every word of your two bitter letters about
Teacher is cruelly stamped upon my mind, and will
darken every day of my life as my p|^sical blindness
has never done. You, and you alone can lift this
burden of sorrow from my heart. My love for you
makes me confident that somehow, someiniiere, sometime
you will again be the dear brother and generous
friend that I have known for twelve years.
Affectionately your sister,
Helen
P. s. The watch reached me in Chicago. I was so
• . • T+ T o fine condition,
glad to have it again. It is in
Thank you.
H. K,
THE ONLY FIREPROOF HOTEL IN THE CITY
MILWAUKEE.Wis,
W.S. DUNNING, Manager
SOLUTELV
f
FIREP
I
7
OF.
)feij|ch 4, 19X4.
Dear John;
oixty
the
percent
e. After
cash go
NTLERS •
eleven o'e3^ck last ^^t^Mr. the manager.
came to our room with his troubles. He seemed to think
Teacher ought to take less than the tickets showed she
was entitled to. She refused, and suggested that he pay
her the full amount subject to modification later.
This he did; but he gave us a personal check because of
course the banks were closed, and we had to leave early
in the morning before they opened. So Teacher sent the
chock and explanations to Mr, Glass. The lunount paid was
seven hundred and two dollars and ninety cents. These
percentages are very annoying, and cause us much iriritation.
I am writing on the train in the middle of a vast
desert. There is nothing as far as the eye can see but
yellow sand and sedge-grass and blue sky. It is as warm
as suinmer, and the sand is sifting in the cracks and
crevices. I shall be glad when wo get out of Utah!
I have not written to you since I received your
unkind amd altogether unbrotherly note in St. Louis be-
ABSOLUTELV Tl REPROOF.
W-S- DUNNIN6.Manaoe.p-
cause my work was vor and I tried to keep unplea-
Both mother
lable^ ^ and
sant thoughts outy.
"i jnhst •
W 'yii -. ■
“hpOT^OTt in Boston
did. You know tha^^
and I f eel,
unjust tc
You know,
/
bocauso YOU^
we could not bo in the apartraont moro than two weoks at
the most: and yet you talk about "a seal® of living
based upon the fact of our being togethorl " Your mind
does not seem to be as honest and just as it used to bo,
or you could not write in that way.
You had no business to call me "a fook" as you did in
your last letter to mother. You know I am not a fool,
and that it was directly in answer to jrt»at you said about
Teacher’s being ungenerous that I brought up the subject
of money. You know He well enough to realize that I do
not value money any more than you say you do, I have
edways been willing, glad to share with you, evenly or any
way that pleased you, all I had. But do you think it is
fair or generous or consistent to say you "hate our money,"
and in the very same letter to tell us that you deposited
a thousand dollars of that "hated" money for yourselfT
It is all right for you to have the money. But it is moan
thus to insult me
ABSOLUTELY FIREPROOF.
W.S. DUNNING, Manager.
3
A
...that Teacher loft the itBat night because she
then, playing fair to lay all the blame upon her and take
advantage of the necessity irtiich forced her to go
away at that time. Apparently you are making circum-
stances fit in with your wishes, I imagine it is
possible for a woman to tell her husband that she thinks
they had bettor separate, without wishing to "leave his
domicile, "
As to your helping mo in the future, how do you think
we could work together with advantage when you keep
saying that Teacher is dishonest, that you cannot be
harassed by a woman ^om you cannot trust, that she has
lied and deceived you? Can you not see, John, that it
was you whowrecked usT You are certainly not yourself,
or you could not have brought yourself to write as you
have, even if we had been in the wrong. Teacher
has many faults, so have I, and so have you. But wo are
not irredeemable, I hope, I pity your blindness, and I
suffer on.
had to in
You are not, y
ABSOLUTELV FIREPROOF.
W.S, DUNNING, Manaqcp
4
Arturo s book and bo forth. I understand that you
have taken Mr, Fagan as secretary to attend to some of
my correspondence. Well, if you do not want to write
yourself, why not let him write the home news, eind so
help me straighten out the many details irtiich always
come up ■rtien I return home! I love to bo of use to
others, and I do not let any one spare me in my tasks,
and I never shall.
Lovingly,
Helen
Detroit, January 12, 1914
Dear John,
Here we are drunk, not with champagne or beer or whiskey,
but with music-- the music of the wonderful Flozanley Quartettel
I have forgotten where all my troubles are, and I am floating upon a
sea of sweetest emotions. The Quartette are here at the hotel, and
it was arranged that they should play for me ^ile an electrician
tested some devices to see if I could feel the difference in the
vibrations of the four instruments. I could not; but finally I put
my hands on the violin and the cello at once, and I was
carried away with rapture, I seemed to feel a perfect body and a pure
mind blending in a magnificent ^ole. I shall ever feel in ray
fingers the deep tones of the cello and the sweet, spiritual
tones of the violin.
I thought we were going on a lecture tour. But now we seem
bound for Vanity Fair. While we were in Canada, every one said we
were "wonderful, fascinating, charming and beautiful women," I was
"the great pupil," Teacher was "the great teacher," and mother
was "the great mother." Flowers, compliments, honors and
salvoes were showered upon us ^erever we went, and nothing was
talked about but us three celebrities.
Really, our audiences were so enthusiastic and warm-hearted, they
almost killed us with their love. After each lecture they gave us a
royal reception. In Ottawa we spoke for the blind, and in Toronto
for the high school, and in London for the Froebel Society. The
Society met us at the station, and after the lecture we had re-
freshments with them at their rooms. They also saw us off wdien we
left London, and they sent us on our way with homo made cansies
and flowers. Altogether, we had quite a royal progress in Canada.
Teacher nearly teased the democratic heart out of me by saying that
I looked more queenly every day.
We had a sleigh ride in Ottawa, but saw nothing to set the
Charles on fire. I expected that there would be six feet of snow,
and lo, I found only three Inchesl Indeed, I thought wdiat I felt of
the Canadian winter was as mild as a sucking dove. It rained the day
we arrived in Toronto: so we didn't have a chance to go sight-seeing.
It has been a scramble for us all day long. This morning we were
invaded as usual by reporters and photofraphers, and this afternoon we
held a reception as a sort of advertisement for the lecture. Then
came the Quartette! I expect that they will have us flying in an
aeroplane next "for publicity."
January 14th. Well, well, after all our preparations, the
lecture went off joyously — the audience scarcely applauded, and
they laughed only once or twice during Teacher's lecture, and she was
so bright too! It seemed a marvel that so many "stiffs" should be
gathered together in one place. Never mind, we are now off for Al-
bion— not "perfidious Albion," I trust.
Love and goodbye for now.
Affectionately,
'Billee,
Vancouver, B. C., April 4, 1914.
Dear John,
Your last letter reached me in California some weeks ago: but the days
and nights have gone by in such a whirl that I have about lost count of them, and
the many letters in my head have remained unwritten^ Until now our rooms have been
full of newspaper people, photographers, callers with all kinds of questions a-
bout the blind, the deaf, the feeble-minded, — and the whole blessed human race, and
every kind of confusion that the ingenuity of men could devise. Sometimes we have
had fifty letters, telegrams and telephones a day, and iirtien we finally arrived on
the platform, we wondered if we had a leg to stand on or a tongue in our heads--
not always the tongue of angels, I fear. But now things seem to be letting up a
little: for I find myself writing to my dear ones again.
We have now killed over a hundred lectures and many other bugbears besides, and
survived. I really wonder that Teacher is able to go on. I know you want me to
tell you just how she is. She is very, very tired, though she will NOT admit it.
At times she trembles so much that we marvel when she gets through the lecture, and
nothing happens. J I wonder how she had the courage to deal with those two men Mon-
day morning, and with Mr. Withey's lawyer the next day.
I cannot get out of my mind the strange and altogether theatrical happenings of
Monday. After Mr. Withey had told his rigmarole about the proposed corporation,
Mr. Chapin called and asked to see me. Teacher had no idea of what was coming, and
she brought me into the room. Mr. Chapin sat by me on the sofa and kept talking to
me, while I read his lips. He asked about my typewriter which I was using, then he
kept referring nervously to his Lincoln lectures and telling how his sister helped
him with his work. His lips quivered so that I could hardly understand him, and to
my amazement, when I looked at him squarely, he shook all overt In my fingers he
was the very embodiment of a guilty conscience, and I knew he was trying to ex-
plain away something, to justify himself, to find a loophole of escape from some
disagreeable situation. Suddenly he made angry gestures which I afterwards under”
stood when Teacher explained that she had told him what Mr. Withey had said, and
then blurted out that she "was on to his game," and he had a fit of righteous indig"
nation. Twice he seized my hand and held it while his own shook violently. I hope
it will never be my lot to see another such pitiful wretch. And to think that that
man should be going about the country impersonating Lincoln! As soon as she could.
Teacher motioned me to go into the next room. While the two men, Mr. C. and Mr. W. ,
confronted eacu other, mother told me what had happened. Just as she finished,
Mr. C. walked into the room and shook hands with me silently and went out-- and it
was all over! Did you ever hear of anything more theatricakf
; Well, our two lectures here are over, and we are almost killed with kindness
receptions, teas, calls and motor drives. We have seen a little of this wonderful
country, the sea full of islands, some quite bare and others covered with ever”
greens, the Gulf of Georgia where the Vancouver fishing-fleet comes in, the Canadian
Rockies-- the most interesting mountains in the world. How shall I tell in mere
words their majesty and glory! As you look to the north and west, you see twin peaks
called "The Lions." I am told that they Look like the lions in Trafalgar Square in
London. They are always wonderful, whether they rise amid a thousand mists, or the
sun circles them with gold, or the stars pour their soft radiance upon their snowy
summits. Some of the mountains are partly covered with forests, and all of them awe
us with their great height. We have also been to Stanley Park, where Pauline Jofanson,
the Indian poetess, lies buried. It was a real forest only a few years ago. They
have made roads through its but it is still wild and magnificent. It has many im-
mense firs and spruces filling the air with damp, fragrant, primaeval odors. Beau-
tiful moss and lichens have taken possession of them, and sometimes one finds ferns
growing in great lengths at the top. I walked around one of the huge firs, a
distance of about fortytwo feet. . Its enormous roots grappled the soil like
cables, and its column-like trunk seemed to reach the clouds!
I confess, I had to stop this letter because such a dreary feeling of homesick-
ness came over me. But now I have sense enough to remember that there is no
home to miss now because you ace not there, and T turn my thoughts to fresh lands
and oceans new. I try to feel as I did when we stood gazing at the Colorado
Rockies, our hearts and minds enlarging to embrace all that we are capable of
doing, hoping, suffering and believing. It is true, "Mein Leben blilht nicht wieder
auf:" but I have Teacher and my affection for you and the hope of one day rendering
some real service to my fellowmen. I beseech you, be patient if I fail to write
a letter of the "breezy" kind you like. I feel like a singer Trtioo filled with
sadness, has not sung for a long time, and who must try and try again, pushing her
voice, as it were, until it rings out clear and full. I cannot sing joy now* but
perhaps I can make you want to see more of the world that is wonderful and in"
spiring.
You must surely visit the far West sometime, it is the experience of a lifetime.
All the way from Colorado to Washington we have caught glimpses of blue sky and
snowy summits orchards deluged with blossoms which made us feel as if we were
looking into heaven. One morning, when we were in Canyon City, Cok. , we got up at
six so that we could take the Sky Line Drive. As we followed that gigzagging road,
there seemed to be nothing but wind and sky and rockt Sometimes the rocks met
overhead in a great arch, and it was twilight. Then the sun would fall upon the
walls, so that they glowed purple and green and gold, and from afar the mountains
cast deep violet shadows. On our way to Utah, we passed through the Royal Gorge,
It was so narrow, I could almost touch the walls, which in many places were half a
mile high. Up, up, up we climbed until about sunset we were fourteen thousand feet
above the sea level. How strangely those mountains would vanish and reappear in
all sorts of fantastic shapesi Sometimes they seemed like belfries and spires of
an immeasurable cathedral. Then they would rise grim and terrible, like stem
arbiters of the earth s doom. Once I fancied they were blind men lifting their
sad faces to the blue sky. At other times they seemed like the jests and whims and
freaks of the "Arabian Nights," or like great herds of cattle grazing ser nely in
the sunshine. Teacher told me that much of the landscape was wild, grim and de-
solate beyond description. Afterwards, on our way to California, we crossed a
desert which seemed interminable. We came to a place where not even sedge-grass
could grow. But as I was beginning to feel the desolation too deeply, there burst
upon me the fragrance of orange blossoms and the warmth of a summer sunl Try to
imagine them — the orange groves which sometimes grew' so close to the track that we
could have picked' the fruit as we sat by the train window: the lovable dimpled
hills, the deep-breasted, flower-pranked valleys and wide tracts of luxuriant
greennessl
While we were in California, kind people took us motoring to many of the
places where we lectured. I did not need much description, as everything we
passed had its own odor. I kept turning ray head to catch all the odors, and ray
sense fairly ached with the delight of them — gardens rioting with roses, narcissi,
hyacinths, violets, lilies of the valley, orange groves without end and those
big, pungent eucalyptus trees every'.vhere, and vast fruit orchards, some of them
shut in by mountains with a flash of silvery crests. In some towns I noticed a
predominating odor of plum blossoms, and in others the air was flooded with the
scents of cherry and peach. Every little while Teacher would exclaim, "A whole
field of wild calla lilies," or "Millions of yellow poppies — blooming sunbeams."
Over all the glad earth babyls blue eyes were strewn like sky dust, and above
floated the songs of meadow-lark and mocking-bird. The southern part of Cali-
fornia has to be irrigated the greater part of the year, and when the heavy rain-
falls come, they wash away a great deal of the soil . That means a most expensive
Eden for the people to keep in that region. But as we went farther north, we came
to many lovely streams and pools, and nature seemed almost overburdened with the
exuberance of gtewth and blossoming and fruitionl
Mingled with all the odors
followed me were those of immense fields of alfalfa and olive ranches, and through
them stole, like softest music, the fragrance of lilacs and breaths of heaven — a
dear little white flower that grows in masses. Then I found myself on the sea-
sand, inhaling the wonderful sai invigorating elixir of life poured out upon the
broad Pacific! We drew as near to the water, I dipped my hand in it, and then we
fled to escape the rolling waves with a sense of exultation, as if we had shared
the momentous discovery of that mighty sea with Balboa! We also crossed the
famous Bay of San Francisco and saw the Golden Gate. There was nothing golden or
especially picturesque about it; but through it come and go all the ships of the
Pacific. Not far from this gateway we saw Mount Tarpeia which looked like a
"Sleeping Beauty," and about which they said Edwin Markham had written a fine
poem. Sometimes we motored over the old trails made by the missionaries and their
Indian converts a century ago. They would go out every day and sweep the roads to
keep them in good condition.
We have just had lunch, and I ate a salad with almost every kind of fruit in
it — pineappke, orange, grapefruit, cherries, bananas and peaches. Think of all
delicious things, take the glow and flash of all precious stones, imagine the
essences of all sweet flowers spilled upon every available inch of ground, and you
have California.
A while ago we went up on the roof of the hotel, sixteen stories high, and
Teacher and mother were quite carried away with tiui delight at the glorious
view of the city There it lay in its length and breadth upon hills sloping down
to the water's edge. In the distance was Puget Sound, blue as the sky, and the
mountains far away rose with gleaming clouds wrapt about them like garments of
light. As we were quite alone up there, I ran, jumped, skipped, breathed deeply,
kicked like a young colt and did my best to shake off the effects of six months'
confinement in hotels and trains. How good I felt! Then off we went for a drive
around Seattle. We went through Washington Park which is most beautiful, quite wild
and romantic. On one side was a low wooded ridge, and on the other Lake Washington,
extending for about thirty raileslt was a vigorous, wide awake landscape, happily
free from the harshness that I have felt in the soil of New England, frozen deep
down for months, and then scourged by east winds. All growing things that we passed
seemed to be a part of Easter — wild heliotropes, geraniums, columbines, rock-
cresses, lilacs and fruiftrees tossing their flowery heads in the sea-scented
breeze. We saw banks of ramblers and pictured as we best could their glorious
BXHkK outburst of bloom a month or two later. The wild curranfbush is lovely here.
It is as abundant as the huckleberry" and blueberry bushes of New England, and much
more brilliant. It covers hundreds of leagues and seems to set the hills on fire.
Easter morning. I have just received a most interesting book, "The Mountain that
Was Gold," from Mr. John Williams, who heard us lecture in Tacoma, This book con"
tains delightful descriptions and splendid pictures of Mount Tacoma. I think you
will enjoy looking it over when we send it with other things to Boston later. We
had glimpses of that great mountain, "lord of sun and air, monarch of the coast,"
while we were in Tacoma. It was sixty miles away* but in the clear air it looked as
if it was only six or eight miles distant. They told me it was an easy mountain to
climb. I intend to spend a month around there sometime and go to the very top where
snow and ice and crags have held the rampart for ages.
I hope the sun is as pleasant for you today as it is for us. Beside caressing
us, it wakes all beautiful memories that lie folded in the core of our hearts. Among
them is the Smiley Drive along which we motored when we v^ere in Redlands, Cal. I
recall how we climbed and climbed from splendor to splendor. Oh, the many-hued
clouds that floated by usi Oh, the deep valleys that lay white in the curved arms of
the everlasting hillsl Above towered overhanging cliffs. Below were countless
orchards, leagues upon leagues of drifting petals, as if an angel army had camped on
every slope. From the soft flutter of their wings wave upon wave of sweetness rose
to us as we stood on the cliffs. Whenever we turned a corner, there was spread be-
7
fore us heaven's cloth of gold. I got out to pick violets and baby's blue eyes, a>^d
I cannot tell you the sensations which overflowed me like a tide when I stood
breast-high in the odors of a thousand flowers wild hyacinths and lilies, trilliums,
broom, heather, purple anemones, an acre of poppies, wild lilacs and rock-rosesl I
almost succumbed, I seemed to drift out into the sunshine filled with the breath of
Paradise. This reminds me that after our lecture in Victoria, B. C., I was quite
covered with an amazing variety of wild flov/ers which kind friends had gathered.
There was a large, lovely blossom called the globe flower, whose white chalice was
full of mountain dew. Then there was a basket of "queen cups" which resemble the
lily of the valley, only they are larger, and have little odor. Again there were
trilliums, star-flowers and Yes, I love the immense, sprawling, opulent West. But
I am afraid I shall write you to death about it* so I must stop and talk about other
things.
We have met some fine people on this tour. When we were in Denver, we met Judge
Lindsay. After his cordial handshake, I did not wonder that he had won the affec
tion and confidence of so many children.
• •
He took us to see his mother, n sweet lady who is almost completely deaf. As we
drove along, it was interesting to see how every newsboy took off his cap and waved
to him. He told us about a case that had just been brought before him, the case of
a woman who had seven children. Some people wanted to take them away from her on
the ground that she could not take proper care of them. She had worked hard and done
everything she possibly could for them. Judge Lindsay refused to allow them to be
taken from her; he said that the state should pay her a sufficient sum to enable her
to give the children all the care they needed. He also told us about Ur. Tynan
the man who has done so much to help convicts. We called upon Mr. Tynan for a few
minutes while we were in Canyon City, and afterwards we had a long talk with him on
the train from Pueblo. We saw some of the fine roads that the convicts had built
8
under his direction throughout Colorado. Many of the men were seventy-five miles
from the prison, and without guards too. We passed their camp. They were sitting
around smoking, (it was Sunday) and they looked as good as any citizen of Colorado.
Mr. Tynan said that eighty percent of them developed into steady, useful men if they
were given a chance. How good it was to think of them partly free, living in the
splendid mountain air, growing strong physically and mentally, working with a will
and casting their dark, miserable past behind them! Mr. Tynan lets them out of pri-
son as soon as he can, and places the greatest confidence in them all, and so far,
he said, he had lost only two or three.
In Los Angeles Mr. Beh3rmer introduced us to Madame Saltzman"Stevens, the opera
singer. She won my heart at once, she was so sweet and good. She sang for me
passages from the V/agner operas. To my surprise I had a new sensation in my ear. I
paid no attention at first, thinking it was imagination. But there it came again and
again — a Sound— a ringing, heart-stirring musical sound! Apparently I HEAD'D the
high notes of her glorious voice, and I know that I have not had such a sensation
in my whole experience of touch. I remember that some one yelled at some distance
from my ear once, and I couldn't bear it. But those high notes in a rich voice were
wondrous sweet, and I shall always feel as if I had heard an angel sing.
Madame Stevens called on us while we were in San Francisco. She was to begin
singing there that day, and the city was in a fever of expectation. Think what a
privilege it was for us to have a visit from her, especially at that time! She
Invited us to hear her in "Parsifal" the following Sunday afternoon, and we ac-
cepted. We sat close to the stage, and by putting my hand on the railing T could
feel the mostxx finest vibrations in the world. The libretto had been read to me;
so I could follow the ever changing music of the orchestra. My heart went through
all the gamuts of joy and sorrow and fear as the tragedy of the wounded, disgraced
King, the fight of Parsifal with Klingsor, the magnificent chant of the Holy Grail
and the finak scene of healin'' and re-awakening to a new life vibrated in my finger
9
Everywhere our comrades greet us warmly and tell us both how much they want us to
do all we can for the greatest movement that has yet come for humanity. I am now a
member of the Loa Angeles Local of the Socialist Party. They also asked Teacher
to join, and she at once said she would. But they have not yet sent her a red card
as they promised to. In San Francisco Mr. Stitt Wilson called on us. He had a fine,
strong face, and his personality was an inspiration to us. Among other things he
said that I ought to make a plea for universal education whenever I could. I took
his suggestion, and when an opportunity offered, I sent a short article on the sub-
ject to a review for teachers w’hich is read by thousands all over the country. I
will send you a copy 'nhen I get one. You see, I cannot rest, I am feverishly
seeking for new channels of usefulness, and I need you more and more. No, dear, we
cannot do our best work without you. We have tried, and it is just as if you had
died. Do write to me about things that really interest us all, tell me what you can
of Socialist news, and suggest how I can help the workers as you used to. We see
little in the papers that we care about, and we can't always tell whether it is
true or not.
I will write more later. I enclose a breath of heaven and a bit of redwood.
Pinch them, and see how very fragrant they are. I am also sending a rock-rose from
Washington Park. Even so do two aching hearts send out thoughts of you and a
prayer for pity and for a homo.
Affectionately,
Helen
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JAMES WOOOS, MANAOBft
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■■ iOi i y :,a<. '-v-''
^'lll
Until now our rooms have been full of newspaper people,
photographers, callers with all kinds of questions about the
blind, the deaf, the feeble-minded, — and the whole blessed
human race, and every kind of confusion that the ingenuity of
men could devise. Sometimes we have had fifty letters,
telegrams and telephones a day, and when we finally arrived
on the platform, we wondered if we had a leg to stand on or
a tongue in our heads — not always the tongue of angels, I
fear. But now things seem to be letting up a little: for I
find myself writing to my dear ones again.
We have now killed over a hundred lectures and many other
bugbears besides, and survived. I really wonder that Teacher
is able. to go on. I know you want me to tell you just how
she is. She is very, very tired, though she will NOT admit
it. At times she trembles so much that we marvel when she
gets through the lecture, and nothing happens.
Well, our two lectures here are over, and we are almost
killed with kindness — receptions, teas, calls and motor
drives. We have seen a little of this wonderful country,
the sea full of islands, some quite baxe and others covered
with evergreens, the Gulf of Georgia where the Vancouver
fishing- fleet comes in, the Canadian Rockies — the most
interesting mountains in the world. How shall I tell in
mere words their majesty and glory.' As you look to the
north and west, you see twin peaks called "The Lions."
-2-
I am told that they look like the lions in Trafalgar Square
in London. They are always wonderful, whether they rise
amid a thousand mists, or the sun circles them with gold,
or the stars pour their soft radiance upon their snowy
summits. Some of the mountains are partly covered with
forests, and all of them awe us with their great height.
We have also been to Stanley Park, where Pauline Johnson,
the Indian poetess, lies buried. It was a real forest only
a few years ago. They have made roads through it:' but
it is still wild and magnificent. It has many Immense
firs and spruces filling the air with damp, fragrant,
primaeval odors. Beautiful moss and lichens have taken
possession of them, and sometimes one finds ferns growing
in great lengths at the top. I walked around one of the
huge firs, a distance of about forty-two feet. Its enormous
roots grappled the soil like cables, and its column- like
trunk seemed to reach the clouds.'
I confess, I had to stop this letter because such a
dreary feeling of homesickness came over me. But now I
have sense enough to remember that there is no home to
miss now because you are not there, and I turn my thoughts
to fresh lands and oceans new. I try to feel as I did when
we stood gazing at the Colorado Rookies, our hearts and
minds enlarging to embrace all that we are capable of
-3-
doing, hoping, suffering and believing. It is true, "Mein
Leben bluht nioht wieder auf:" but I have Teacher and my
affection for you and the hope of one day rendering some
real service to my fellov/men. I beseech you, be patient if I
fail to write a letter of the "breezy" kind you like. I feel
like a singer who filled with sadness, has not sung for a
long time, and who must try and try again, pushing her
voice, as it were, until it rings out clear and full. I
cannot sing joy now: but perhaps I can make you want to
see more of the world that is wonderful and inspiring.
You must surely visit the far West sometime, it is
the experience of a lifetime. All the way from Colorado
to Washington we have caught glin^jses of blue sky and
snowy summits orchards deluged with blbssoms which made
us feel as if we were looking into heaven. One morning,
when we were in Canyon City, Cok. , we got up at six so
that we could take the Sky Line Drive. As we followed
that zigzagging road, there seemed to be nothing but wind
and sky and rock.' Sometimes the rooks met overhead in a
great arch, and it was twilight. Then the sun would fall
upon the walls, so that they glowed purple and green and
gold, and from afar the mountains oast dep violet shadows.
On our way to Utah, we passed through the Royal Gorge.
It was so narrow, I could almost touch the walls, which
in many places were half a mile high. Up, up, up we olimbed
until about sunset we were fourteen thousand feet above the
sea level. How strangely those mountains would vanish and
reappear in all sorts of fantastic shapes.' Sometimes they
seemed like belfries and spires of an immeasurable cathedral.
Then they would rise grim and terrible, like stern arbiters
of the earth's doom. Once I fancied they were blind men
lifting their sad faces to the blue sky. At other times they
seemed like the jests and whims and freaks of the "Arabian
Nights", or like great herds of oattle grazing serenely in
the sunshine. Teacher told me that much of the landscape
was wild, grim and desolate beyond description. Afterwards,
on our way to California, we crossed a desert which seemed
interminable. We came to a place where not even sedge-grass
could grow. But as I was beginning to feel the desolation too
deeply, there burst upon me the fragrance of orange blossoms
and the warmth of a summer sun.' Try to Imagine them — the
orange groves which sometimes grew so close to the track that
we could have picked the fruit as we sat by the train window:
the lovable dimpled hills, the deep-breasted, flower-pranked
valleys and wide tracts of luxuriant greenness.'
While we sere in California, kind people took us motoring
to many of the places where we lectured. I did not need much
description, as everything we passed had its own odor. I kept
-5-
turning my head to oatch all the odors, and my sense fairly
aohed with the delight of them — gardens rioting with roses,
narcissi, hyacinths, violets, lilies of the valley, orange
groves without end and those big, pungent eucalyptus trees
everywhere, and vast fruit orchards, some of them shut in
by mountains with a flash of silvery crests. In some towns
I noticed a predominating odor of plum blossoms, and in others
the air was flooded with the scents of cherry and peach.
Every little while Teacher would exclaim, "A whole field of
wild calla lilies," or "Millions of yellow poppies — blooming
sunbeams," Over all the glad earth baby's blue eyes wEre
strewn like sky dust, and above floated the songs of meadow-
lark and mocking-bird. The southern part of California has
to be irrigated the greater part of the year, and when the
heavy rainfalls come, they wash away a great deal of the
soil. That means a most expensive Eden for the people to
keep in that region. But as we went farther north, we came
to many lovely streams and pools, and nature seemed almost
overburdened with the exuberance of growth and blossoming
and fruition.' Mingled with all the odors followed me were
those of Immense fields of alfalfa and olive ranches, and
through them stole, like softest music, the fragrance of
lilacs and breaths of heaven — a dear little white flower
that grov/s in masses. Then I found myself on the sea-sand.
-6-
inhaling the wonderful Invigorating elixir of life poured out
upon the broad Pacifio.' We drew as near to the water, I dipped
my hand in it, and then we fled to escape the rolling waves
with a sense of exultation, as if we had shared the momentous
discovery of that mighty sea with Balboa.' We also crossed the
faunous Bay of San Francisco and saw the Golden Gate. There was
nothing golden or especially picturesque about it: but through
it come and go all the ships of the Pacific. Not far from
this gateway we saw Mount Tarpeia which looked like a "Sleeping
Beauty," and about which they said Edvvin Meirkham had written
a fine poem. Sometimes we motored over the old trails made
by the missionaries and their Indiaji converts a century ago.
They would go out every day and sweep the roads to keep them
in good condition.
We have just had lunch, and I ate a salac|i(vith almost
every kind of fruit in it — pineapple, orange, grapefruit,
cherries, bananas and peaches. Think of all delicious things,
take the glow and flash of all precious stones, imagine the
essences of all sweet flowers spilled upon every available
inch of ground, and you have California.
A while ago we went up on the roof the hotel, sixteen
stories high, and Teacher and mother were quite carried away
with delight at the glorious view of the city. There it lay
in its length and breadth upon hills sloping down to the water's
-7-
edge. In the distance was Puget Sound, blue as the sky, and the
mountains far away rose with gleaming clouds wrapt about them
like garments of light. As we were quite alone up there, I ran,
jumped, skipped, breathed deeply, kicked like a young colt and
did my best to shake off the effdots of six months' confinement
in hotels and trains. How good I felt.': Then off we went for
a drive around Seattle. We went through Washington Park which
is most beautiful, quite wild and romantic. On one side was a
low wooded ridge, and on the other Lake ?/ashington, extending
for about thirty miles. It was a vigorous, wide awake landscape,
happily free from the harshness that I have felt in the soil
of New England, frozen deep down for months, and then scourged
by east winds. All growing things that we passed seemed to be
a part of Easter — wild he^otropes, geraniums, columbines,
rookcresses, lilacs and fruit-trees tossing their flowery
heads in the sea-scented breeze. We saw banks of ramblers
and pictured as we best could their glorious outburst of
bloom a month or two later. The wild currant-bush is lovely
here. It is as abundant as the huckleberry and blueberry
bushes of New England, and much more brilliant. It covers
hundreds of leagues and seems to set the hills on fire.
Easter Morning. I have just received a most interesting
book, "The Mountain that Was Gold," from Mr. John Williams,
who heard us lecture in Tacoma. This book contains delight-
-8-
desoriptions and splendid pictures of Mount Tacoma. I think you
will enjoy looking it over when we send it with other things to
Boston later. We had glimpses of that great mountain "lord of
sun and air, monarch of the coast," while we were in Tacoma.
It was sixty miles away: but in the clear air it looked as
if it was 'only six or eight miles distant. They told me it
was an easy mountain to climb. I intend to spend a month
around there sometime and go to the very top where snow and
ice and crags have held the rampart for ages.
I hope the sun is a5 pleasant for you today as it is for
us. Beside caressing us, it wakes all beautiful memories that
lie folded in the core of our hearts. Among them is the Smiley
Drive along which we motored when we were in Redlands, Cal.
I recall how we climbed and climbed from splendor to splendor.
Oh, the many-hued clouds that floated by usJ Oh, the deep
valleys that lay white in the curved arms of the -everlasting
hills.' Above towered overhanding cliffs. Below were countless
orchards, leagues upon leagues of drifting petals, as if an
army had camped on every slope. From the soft flutter of
their wings wave upon wave of sweetness rose to us as we
stood on the cliffs. V7henever we turned a corner, there was
spread before us heaven's cloth of gold. I got out to pick
violets and baby's blue eyes, and I cannot tell you the
sensations which overflowed me like a tide when I stood
-9-
breast-high in the odors of a thousand flowers — wild
hyacinths and lilies, trilliums, broom, heather, purple
anemones, an acre of poppies, wild lilacs and rock-roses.'
I almost succumbed, I seemed to drift out into the sunshire
filled with the breath of Paradise, This reminds me that
after our lecture in Victoria, B.C., I was quite covered
with an amazing variety of wild flowers which kind friends
had gathered. There was a large, lovely blossom called
the globe flower, whose white chalice was full of mountain
dew. Then there was a basket of "queen cups" which resemble
the lily of the valley, only they are larger, and have little
odor. Again there were trilliums, star-flowers and Yes, I
love the titmense, sprawling, opulent West. But I am afraid
I shall write you to death about it: so I must stop and talk
about other things.
We have met some fine people on this tour. When we were
in Denver, we met Judge Lindsay. After his cordial Handshake,
I did not wonder that he had won the affection and confidence
of so many children.
He took us to see his mother, a sweet lady who is almost
completely deaf. As we drove along, it was interesting to
see how every newsboy took off his cap and waved to him. He
told us about a case that had just been brought before him,
the case of a woman who had seven children. Some people
-10-
want ed to take them away from her on the ground that she
could not take proper care of them. She had worked hard and
done everything she possibly oould for them. Judge Lindsay
refused to allow them to be taken from her: he said that the
state should pay her sufficient sum to enable her to give
the children all the care they needed. He also told us
about Mr. Tynan — the man who has done so much to help
convicts. We called upon Mr. Tynan for a few minutes while
we were in Canyon City, and afterwards we had a long talk
with him on the train from Pueblo. We saw some of the fine
roads that the convicts had built under his direction
throughout Colorado. Many of the men were seventy-five
miles from the prison, and without guards too. We passed
their oeimp. They were sitting around smoking (it was Sunday)
and they looked as good as any citizen of Colorado. Mr. Tynan
said that eighty percent of them developed into steady, useful
men if they were given a chance. How good it was to think
of them partly free, living in the splendid mountain air,
growing strong physically and mentally, working with a will
and casting their dark, miserable past behind them.' i!r. Tynan
lets them out of prison as soon as he can, and places the
greatest confidence in them all, and so far, he said, he
had lost only two or three.
In Los Angeles Mr. Behmer introduced us to Madame
Satlzman-Stevens , the opera singer. She won my heart at
once, she was so sweet and good. She sang for me passages
-11-
frcw the Wagner operas. To my surprise I had a new sensation
in my ear. I paid not attention at first, thinking it was
imagination. But there it oame again and again - a sound —
a ringing, heart-stirring musioal sound.' Apparently I heard
the high notes of her glorious voice, and I know that I have
not had such a sensation in my whole experience of touch.
I rememher that some one yelled at some distance from my
eax once, and I couldn't beax it. But those high notes
in a rich voice were wondrous sweet, and I shall always
feel as if I had heard an angel sing.
Madame Stevens called on us while we were in San
Francisco. She was to begin singing there that day, and
the city was in a fever of expectation. Think what a
privilege it was for us to have a visit from her, especially
at that time.' She Invited us to hear her in "Parsifal" the
following Sunday afternoon, and we accepted. We sat close
to the stage, and by putting my hand on the railing I could
feel the most finest vibrations in the world. The libretto
had been read to me: so I could follow the ever changing
music of the orchestra. My heart went through all the gamuts
of joy and sorrow and fear as the tragedy of the wounded,
disgraced King, the fight of Parsifal with Klingsor, the
magnificent chant of the Holy Grail and the finak scene of
healing and re-awakening to a new life vibrated in my fingers.
454 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York,
May 11, 1914.
Dear John,
While we were at a photographer's this morning. Teacher had a
fall, and was badly bruised. She had to go to the hospital. Tomorrow
they will use a X Ray to see if any bones are broken. We feared that
she had broken her arm* but they say they hopenahe But there is some-
thing wro g with her elbow, and she has her arm in a cast for the pre-
sent. I will let you know just how she is tomorrow. It does seem a
shame that she should have this in addition to all the worries she has
had the past few months.
Mrs. Lewis and her daughter were wdth us when Teacher fell, and
they most kindly invited mother and me to stay with them a day or two,
until we can leave Buffalo. 3o here we are with good, helpful friends,
receiving every attention and being made comfortable in every possible
way. They are indeed lovely people. ,
As to the furniture, you need not do anything about it until you hear
about our plans.
Lovingly,
Helen
Soi
are very
John
letters
t ■ r,
Dear John:
Here we are safe and sound in Piqua, in
spite of all the gloomy prognostications of our
friends in New York. We didn?t telephone you yes-
terday because we hadn?t a free moment; so I am wrl-
ing to you now. Well, wo had a long conference with
Mr. Pond, Mr. Glass and Mr. Ellsworth, and we suc-
ceeded in getting them to confess that they had not
made all they could out of their "stars," — they didntt
read them aright. Now we are going on as before, as
it seems the only fair thing to do. I hope that
Mr. Glass will manage things better after this, and
certainly there are two joys ahead of us — our visit
in Montgomery and the few days with you at home.
We are still full of our delightful visit to
Mr. Edison. It was a wonderful experience for me to
meet the man from whose brain flashed forth the
thought that turned the night into dayl We also met
his wife and daughter, and Mr. Gutchinson, tge one who
tested my hearing years ago in Cambridge. Mr. Edison
is very deaf, you know, and ho couldnit understeind me.
He said my vowels were all right; but he couldntt get
my consonants. How I wish I could have some one like
him to hoar me every dayl Then I am sure I should
catch that baffling, heartbreeJcing, brain-racking
will-ot-the-wisp of natural speech.
I sat by Mr. Edison and read his lips as he talked
to me about his Inventions. He expects soon to perfect
a machine that will produce speaking pictures. He
told me that it would be possible for me to lecture all
over the country in this way >rtiile I slept! How com-
fortable that sounds! I asked him if he thought some-
thing could bo invented that would enable the blind
to road ink print books, and he said "Yes, I do. " He
tried it once. I begged him to keep on, and he said
he would. He showed me his marvellous phonograph, and
for a few minutes I tried to feel the music by placing
my hand on the instrument. But there were so many
voices Inside struggling to be heard that I must listen
hard to get any vibration. Then Mr. Edison put a hat
in my hand ?diich I held before the instrument, and lo,
my fingers were thrilled with the sweetest strains,
full, rich and varied. Some one else wanted me to
tx^ his hat for the same purpose, and I found it still
more musical. I had good fun with it. By way of ex-
periment I laid my cheek against it, then touched it
with my lips and put it up to my forehead. All the
time I felt merry laughter in the hat, I know the
others were joking, and I suspected whose hat it was--
Mr. Hutchinsonts. I asked Mr. Edison iriiat kind of wood
I might use with advantage to observe my speech while I
practiced, and he said he would have something arranged
for me. He also invited us to spend a day at his labora-
tory next May, and he seclared that something must come
of it. A day at Mr. Edisonts laboratory idiich I hear is
guarded by detectives — can you believe it' I feel as
if I had but dreamed it, and yet Teacher gives her
testimony that our wizard of light and sound wishes me
to enter that sanctum sanctorum and have a glimpse of
the secrets of his glorious art. You may be sure, that
will Interest me vastly more than all that I saw at the
physical laboratory in Washingtob. I have loved him for
a long time because of his tireless patience and en-
thusiasm in the service of humanity, and now I know
him as one of the dearest, kindest men I have ever met.
Before we left, Mrs. Edison gave us some wonderful
lilies of the valley and arbor vitae carnations which
made me think of those that I smell in dreams. Of
course I was thinking only of the king, and didntt
notice the place. But Teacher says his home is very
I am Indeed fortunate. In less than a week
beautiful.
I have seen and talked face to face with two great
benefactors of men, Dr. Montes.sorl anc! I!r. Edison.
Tl'.elr interests d;lf‘'er vldely, *t is rue; but they
labDr-.’ilAhpqqial fervor to give us our true kingdom
in the senses.
r^e came off with filling colors from our two engage-
ments in Brooklyn, and slept the sleep of the just.
We look forward to a pleasant time tonight. I will
write more later. This is the first long letter iTve
written on this machine; so you will \mderatand if you
find mistakes in it. ItTs a Herculaneum effort, as
the little school boy said, for me to remember my
letters. A, D, G, H, etc, etc.
Witg love from your wandering Ishmaelites, I am.
Affectionately,
Helen
Piqua, Ohio,
December fifteenth.
TOO UOOMS TOO H.VTIIS
® ^ ^ I-® • Y. HOTEL STAT LER - at swan and wash inoton streets • a so rooms -
UNDER SAME MANAGEMENT WITH STATLER SERVICE AND IDEAS.
A50 BATHS
I'ontiio’.-ica’y , ’'arch 5bh, 1917
'■ Dearest Teacher:
I - v./U3t think, lasb Friday v/as my soul-birthday, and I had to, spend
j that day of days away from youl Do you realize it? Thirty years ago
you ceme to a quiet village, you, a young girl all alone in the world,
*<
handicapped by imperfect vision and want of experience — you came and
^ -Y* V ■ -IW,
( "dp»na5^ lif e 'ts shut portals and let in joy, hope, knowledge and friend-
I
i ship* Jiy brain is as a disc upon which the finger of God has traced
j
j the record of the waking, the resurrection, the glory, the eternal
blessedness of the day I was born again. I play this wondrous record
I over and over, and ir.y soul exults, trembles, aspires under the holy
I
influence of its living strain. I pray that ’’this doomed time may
1 build up in me a thousand graces which sliall thus be thine," and
I repay you for that mighty deliverance, God ble.sa you, my teacher,
j from everlasting to everlasting.
' Ycur affocL J onat.c
Helen ,
' ' \
COPT
93 Seminole Avenue
Forest Hills, New York
September 8, 1927
Dear Mr. Doubleday,
At this moment I am sure of only two things. One is the realization
that I have for some days been a thorn in the flesh of my publishers. The
other is your kindness and forbearance. I kncuv that very fevr publishers
would have viewed so unprotestingly an author's attempt to kill the goose
that might lay golden eggs .just because the poor bird had lost a fevf bright
feathers .
I am constrained to hope that I shall be glad later on that fate
intervened, and saved the life of the goose, since so many people admire it.
T.fayhap it is a comelier goose than I at first thought.
I know that all the "fuss" about "My Religion" has caused annoyance
to everybody. I am sorry. I wish I had been wise enough to see the im-
possibility of making over hurriedly and arbitrarily a book w;iich in its
very nature is the spontaneous overflowing of a heart at peace. Far better
that Faith should limp with a smile than beat its wings against a despot's
gate 1
As I review the situation, I see that it was a natural and un-
avoidable result of my method of work. Hammering out ideas in the dark
without being able to see what one is doing is one of the most exasperating
trials of blindness. But the dark is bright with pleasant thoughts too,
and it will always be gratifying to me to remember your generous attitude
toward ny book, and twward me.
Deeply regretting the trouble I have made, I am.
Sincerely and gratefully yours.
(signed) Helen Keller
i-
0^
Dear Nellia, ^
I have a funny feeling about this autobiography. I am going
to write what I feel because it is hard for a deaf person to carry
on arconversation, and it is easy to confuse the matters under
discussion.
I realized from your reaction to the changes I made in the
first chapters that we did not have the same thing in mind. Apparent-
ly, you thought I would read the manuscript, only changing a. word or
phrase here and there, and perhaps malce suggestions. My idea was
that I could do anything I liked with it, I can easily see that
what I did to it might not improve it, and we might have to talk it
all over, as Mr. Many and I used to. It is impossible for me to
have any idea of a chapter as a whole from reading the end of a
paragraph and the beginning of another.
My deafness prevents me from getting as quickly as my teacher
does what the connection is. I confess that most of the time I am
utterly confused. We are reversing the procedure that I used to
follow in the madcing of my other books. I wrote the book as well
as I could^ Then Mr. Macy read it, made suggestions and advised me
about the construction. If I liked his idea, I agreed, and he
recast the page. All the material was there, and we selected what
seemed best.
Now the material is in Garden City, and you bring at intervals
several days apart chapters which are hurriedly read to me in parts.
It is utterly impossible for me to keep the matter or the sequence
in mind.
Please do not think, Nella, that in stating these facts I
intend the slightest criticism of you. But I do feel that the
book is more yours than mine, although I may have written every
word. It seems to me, it is like putting a lot of colored yarns
into a basket, and then ajperson selects the color and the pattern
and weaves the tapestry. The yarn may have been spun from my
substance; but the tapestry is not mine any more than a beautifvil
dress is the work of the silkworm. It is almost the same way that
captains of industry make books.
As I see the book now, it is our joint work, and should bear
your name on the title-page with mine.
Affectionately,
Helen
)
■: V '
Dearest Della,
Lly heart is full of lovely Dev/ Year wishes for you
and Keith. May 1930 bring a fulfilment of your hearts'
desires. V-Tiat more can we wish for any one?
Your letter came Dew Year Lay a precious symbol
of friendship. Teacher and I both know that v;e have no
better friend in the v/orld than yourself; but it is sweet
to ha.ve it v/ritten out in dots that caress my fingers,
just as lovers repeat over and over the name of the loved
one. V/hen I gpow discouraged, and things get on their ear
and refuse to proceed in orderly fashion, I remember that
I have a friend in Ga,rden City who will take things by
the other ear and set them on their feet again.
Done of my Christmas gifts and I had a good
many plea.sed me more than the poems you transcribed
for me. Such gifts exceed all material valuation. The
only earthly possessions I treasure are those in v/hich I
feel the throbbing heart of a friend that loves me for
myself. The poem "Song For A Little House" is darling I
It sounds as if it v/ere written about your house, it is
so like it in fact and sentiment. Lawrence Lee and we
were talking about you yesterday. (V/e were having break-
fast, 3. 30. Lawrence v^as still in his Tuxedo ) Lawrence
expressed his conviction that you and ?'eith live in a way
to get the best happiness out of life.
I also like "A Chorus Fron The Bacchae . " It embodies
what is finest in the pagan attitude towards life. I often
think the pagans had a more courageous conception of ae-
stiny than most Christians.
"But whoe'er can know,
As the long days go,
That to live is happy, h- th found his heaven •
this is hardly to be found in the philosophy of Christianity.
The ancients let things go of themselves and when you
think of it, that is the way things happen, one after
another, with only the loose allegiance to each other that
the facts of life impose.
V/ell, here endeth the first lesson. There are a flock
of thank-you letters clawing me and pecking my conscience
in an unpagan insistence on being of first importance.
And the "Home Magazine" is shrieking at the top of its voice
that it must ha.ve more inspiration next month. If I were a
tixie Greek, instead of half a Christian, I should chat on
with you and let the "Horne Magazine" go hang; but alas .' in
these modern times vre can't live by picking sun-kissed
peaches off our garden- walls .
With more Hew Year greetings to you and Keith from "the
iirmortal Triumvirate, " as Elizabeth Garrett called us in
her Christmas letter, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
’ / •
/
/
Trout Hall, Wendena Ambo, Essex, July 27, I95O
Dear Nella,
Your good letter "bringing airs from home" made us happy. It was very
nice of you to remember my birthday, which was solemnized in Ireland by drink-
ing a bottle of liquid sunshine, and taking a long walk on Bray Head, a
rocky spur of the iVicklow Mountains in the curve of which nestles a smiling
bay on the Irish coast. Polly and I loved to climb the cliffs and catch
glimpses of the sea and the golden beach on one side and emerald pastures
landward. "O Gem of the Western Ocean," I love thee.
I suppose one's fiftieth birthday should be a sad occasion, but, despite
that ancient number, I didn't feel a bit sad, nor did I feel a day older than
when the hand on the clock of time pointed to twenty-five. For the dews and
spring freshets have remained in my heart. It was good not to have to wear
a company smile and make a silly speech about feeling fifty years young.
Anniversary speeches are nearly always pathetic in their insistence that ex-
perience is a satisfactory substitute for the dreams of youth. No matter
how rich the experience life brings us, there is always the touch of melan-
choly in the vanishing of the bright flowers of spring.
This touch of melancholy does not, however, prevent me from being a
happy woman at fifty. I find life good, and I can still dream. The sober-
plumaged dove has "the wing of love and the eye of faith." Before mo now
stretches a more equable existence, sweet er-tempered, I hope, certainly fuller
than ever of the desire to be useful, and raise my voice, feeble though it be,
against the cruel things that wrong the Image of God in ray heart.
One curious phenomenon of advancing age is a growing wanderlust. I am
eager to see the vrorld before I am gone from it. That is why we didn't re-
turn to America the end of May, as we had at first planned. The spell of
2
Britain was upon ue, and I thou^^t ne might as well near our garments of en-
chantment aa long as possible, and forget the straight jacket of routine and
publicity which Teacher and I have worn the best part of our lives.
But before I plunge into a long rave about our " derrin-do, " I must tell
you how much we enjoyed your news. We were pleased to hear that you and the
car had got beyond the stage of experiment and misunderstanding, and were
working harmoniously together. If it brings you and Keith oftener to 95
Seminole Avenue, we shall feel that Mr. Henry Ford hasn't lived in vain. 'Who
knows but some day there may be a shrine to him in our garage.* If we could
get a little pool of water to stsind in the middle and vines growing over the
entrance, it would make a fair holy well, where miracles greater than even
the "Ford" might happen.
I'm glad you and Keith are going away for a month. You didn't say Wiiere
you will spend your holiday. I hope you will both have as lovely a time as
we are having in this heavenly bower of quietness. I feel guilty w'nen I
think how ny friends' days are filled with work and business and botheration,
while we three truants spend untold hours "caravaning" through rural England,
exploring sequestered villages, cathedrals, Roman walls, the ruins of ancient
abbeys and castles, and coming back at night laden with a strange assortment
of knowledge a good deal of it mythical, we think.
I had read in the "Weekly News" of the business depression, financial ^
upsets and increasing unemployment in the United States; so I wasn't sur-
prised to learn that the publishing-houses were affected too, I wonder what
will become of the poor authors if the public doesn't buy dollar books. It
gives me a rather queer feeling to think of "Midstream" being sold in
United Cigar stores. 'We have bought some copies of it here to give to friends,
I have a notion that it isn't selling well. The retailers don't have it.
and they send to the publisher for it. In the largest book-store in Dublin
they hadn't heard of it.' But they didn't have a life of Parnell or O'Connell
either, and they didn't know that Mrs. O'Shea had written a biography of
Parnell.'.'.'
Since coming to Essex we have met the friends of Polly's sister through
w}iom we went to Looe, and who negotiated the renting of this house for us.
They are charming people. Mr. Muir is a writer, and his wife sings. Mr. Muir
knows Mr. Ilodder, end he told him he had written to me for permission to bring
out an edition of "The Story of My Life" and "Midstream combined in one
volujne. Tiie letter went to New York, Eind has not reached me yet. I wonder
if Effendi Imows about this plan, and if he approves it.
I am delighted that the blind have been successful in selling "Midstream."
Uncle waiter wrote me some weeks ago that up to date they had sold about
eleven hundred copies out of fifteen hundred, and that they were -making a
joriLftt of fifty cents on each book.
\7e have succeeded in keeping our visit to Britain a dark secret. The
few Y)ho know our whereabouts are silent accomplices. I get all the books I
can read from the National Lending Library for the Blind in London. I have
read at least thirty volumes the past three months' In Cornwall I read
Conrad's "Almayer's Folly" and "The Typhoon," "Cornish Ballads," Test's
poems, Synge's plays and a splendid selction of Russian stories in six
volumes. Idy birthday brought me a holy mound of long desired books "Kin"
from Teacher, "^Tuthering Heights" from Polly, "Tne Call of the Wild" from
her sister and "VTisdora and Destiny" from her brother, " Scaramouche" and "Joan
of Arc" from Somers Mark. You can imagine how I am revelling in my riches.'
Since you have read my letter to Effendi, you Icnow how v;e fell in love
with Cornwall. So I won't dwell on our Cornish experiences, but I'll keep
4
thorn In a special corner of memory until our chats by the fire in Forest
Hills make them live again.
You will wsint to hear something about our impressions of Ireland.
(Teacher says I'm not to include hers.) I shall try to keep hers separated
from mine and Polly's. But is that possible?
Ireleind is a baffling country lovable, detestable and intensely
tragic. Every minute of our visit to that land was brimful of interest, but
we were there only two weeks, and naturally we couldn't see a little bit of
what we wanted to. 1le took the trip to fill in the interval between leaving
Looe and coning here. Our bungalow had to be given up June IJth, and Trout
Hall wasn't available until July 1st. 'He sailed from Plymouth on a cargo
boat, the Bally Cotton, which was great fun. V/e skirted the coast of Corn-
wall and got a good view of its rugged cliffs and bold headlands. Y/e landed
at (Yaterford early in the morning, but the car which was to meet us didn't
come until late in the afternoon. So we stayed aboard, and I sat on deck
"listening" to the great derricks as they lifted barrels of Devonshire cider
on to the pier and replaced them with barrels of Guinness's stout and Irish
bacon. 0, how good they both smelt.* We were anchored in the river Siir, be-
side the main street of Waterford. We could see the traffic, which consisted
principally of jaunting-cars and little donkey-carts. The donkeys brought
the bacon to the ship, and the stout came in great trucks. Waterford is a
ninth century town. It was the only place in all Ireland which successfully
resisted Oliver Cromwell's victorious forces, and for that reason the Cava-
liers called it "Urbs Intacta."
The drive from Waterford to Killarney was for the most part depressing,
in spite of the fact that it was a glorious day. It was Saturday, and the
road was lined with donkey- and pony-carts. The poor little animals were
5
nothing but skin, bones and misery. Most of the cottages were poor, and the
small towns drab and silent, and the women in their black shawls made the scene
still more gloomy.
The estate of the Duke of Devonshire was in vivid contrast with the poverty-
stricken country surrounding it. For miles we followed his high walls. The
rhododendrons and the hawthorn were in full bloom. They are wonderful from
bud to flower. Every hawthorn-tree is as white as snow, or as pink as a blush-
ing bride. It is not only hedges, but whole groves and hill-sides of hawthorn.
The Irish will not cut down a hawthorn-tree, lest they disturb the fairy folk
who inhabit its covert. Beside the hawthorn and the rhododendrons there were
stretches where the horsechestnut-tree, pink and white, dominated. Over the
walls tumbled golden laburnums and ivy and cascades of a blue flower resembling
the forget-me-not. Then again there were fuchsia hedges higher than my head,
their pendant blossoms twinkling in the breeze. We got out of the car to have
a better view of the castle, an immense castle, beautifully situated above the
Blackwater which rushes and tumbles in flashing leaps and bounds.
You must see Killarney, Nella. I have never in my life had so many adjec-
tives of color, of grandeur and of romance poured into my hand in an effort to
give me scwne idea of the indescribable beauty that is Killarney, and I have
never been so put to it to convoy to others an idea of the billows and tides
of fragrance that overwhelmed me at the foot of McGillicuddy' s Reeks.' Can you
imagine, Nella, mountains of rhododendrons rising hhber and massive into the
bluest sky you have ever been under white, crimson, scarlet, pink, buff,
yellow and every shade God has painted on leaf and flower.' Imagine a road
winding in and out, up and down, and round sudden curves and through wild,
sweet jungles of these gorgeous blosstMns.' As if this was not beauty enough,
you come out of a mountain pass and gaze, breathless and trembling, upon
6
"purple peaks that out of ancient woods arise," and there, in the gorge
below, are silver lakes, reflecting as in a row of mirrors all the glory that
surrounds them.' Tore, the middle lake, we thought the most beautiful, but
when we looked again at the large lake, we decided it was the most beautiful,
all things considered. But we had not seen the Tore waterfall, which was
hidden by holly-trees. Their red berries glistening in the sun had half blind-
ed us until a little opening in the screen of evergreens revealed it in all
its majesty a pure avalanche of silver water plunging over a rock sixty
feet in height.
In the overpowering loveliness of Killarney one almost overlooks Ross
Castle, Ifuckross Abbey and Brickeen Bridge which spans the Meeting of the
Waters, (not the sweet waters of Moore's song which are in the foot-hills of
the Wicklow Mountains, but the middle and lower lakes. ) There is a legend,
usually a tragic one, connected with every glen, peak and stream, but we had
no time to hear them, although the Irish are always ready to tell them to any
one who will listen with a reverent spirit. One of the famous drives in Killar-
ney is to the Gap of Dunloe (the Purple Mountain.) It takes one through many
historic places, among them Ballydowney, (how I love the name.') said to be the
birth-place of Robert Etemet, and the ruin of the house of stone where Daniel
O'Connell was born, and where we ate our picnic luncheon beside the wall which
divided the gardens and orchards from the lawn. The lawn is now a free pasture
for cows, goats and horses. The animals were very curious about us, and came
so near, I could smell their sweet breath. One of the cows actually lay down
at our feet. A pretty picture it was the old ruin covered with vines
growing between the stones. Teacher and Polly could see a bay in the distance
throu^ the broken arches of doors and windov/s. I sat on the big rock where
little Daniel used to study his lessons.
7
I wonder if there is any other place in the world where superlative
beauty and grandeur are so startlingly contrasted with bleak poverty and hope-
lessness as in the County Kerry. One can begin a drive at what seems to be the
gate of Paradise, and in a few minutes be surrounded by heart-breaking barren-
ness. For hours we drove through desolate bog-lands, rooky wastes where a
crow must needs carry its rations if it would survive, hill-sides so com-
pletely covered with rocks that not even the hardy gorse can find a foothold,
and past miserable cabins, some of than without window or chimney, built below
the road, for protection, I suppose. One could easily believe that pigs and
fowls shared the meagre shelter of these hovels. Generally there was peat
stacked up at the side of the cottage, but sometimes there was not even that
si0i of human comfort. The thatch on the roofs was oifften so rotten that grass
and weeds were growing out of it. One cottage we saw was beautiful with wild-
roses literally growing out of the roof and climbing up over the rubble walls
of the cottage. The black shawls of the women seemed to drip despair as they
carried bricks of peat in baskets from a hill-top or water from a distant
stream or scraggy bunches of sea-weed to fertilize their wretched little
plots. And the solitary chapels scattered about the bog country seemed to
symbolize the dumb cry of baffled souls to a heaven that answers not.
Yet I suppose some people would find a sort of artistic charm in the wild,
sombre landscape. Polly said the cloud effects wore exquisite, and the sha-
dows of the rocks grotesque in the evening sunlight.
Once these vast bog-lands wore superb forests, and in times of war the
people took refuge in than. It was a common saying that the Irish could never
be tamed while the loaves were upon the trees. When Queen Elizabeth hoard this,
she ordered the Irish forests to be felled. The work was so thoroughly done,
not a single tree or bush survived.
8
The Kerry dancers are an expression of the contrasts and humors of the
Irish. Polly and I went in a jaunting-car to see a dance. A spot is chosen
at the meeting of roads, and every Sunday evening the young people from the
neighboring farms gather and dance to the accompaniment of a clarinet, with
swift, light feet that seem to strike lightning from the ground. With the
purple mountains of Killarney for a background and in the distance a stream
aglow with the last kiss of the sun they dance on and on, until their gaiety
is turned into a grim endurance trial. Then the night descends upon them,
and the Irish maidens whisper, Come away,
"All the world is weary now,
'Tis the twili^t of the ages,
And it's time to quit the dance."
'He spent two days in Limerick trying to find out something about Teacher's
parents. We were not successful. If we had known the parish in which they
lived, there would have been no difficulty. We went to Castle Connell, a few
miles from Limerick, thinkng it was a likely place, as we were told some
Sullivans lived there. Polly called on the priest, but he could give her no
information. She also visited the little church whore the records of births,
marriages and deaths are kept, only to find that the records date no further
back than i860. Wo also called on another priest at Cratloe, and he promised
to look up his records, but wo have not heard from him.
Polly and I climbed to the very top of Cratloe Castle, a magnificent
ruin nine centuries old. From the tower we had a fine view of the Shannon,
Limerick and the surrounding country. One of the poignant fascinations of
Ireland is. the weird bairn ty^ that hangs about all its beauty.
"Tread where wo may on Irish ground
From Antrim's coast to wild Capo Clear,
From east to west no view is found
9
Without some ruin, rath or mound
To tell of times that were. "
Father Wallace, the priest at Cratloe, is building a grotto in imitation
of Lourdes where, he believes, many miracles will be performed. The people
give their labor, and the priest collects funds from visitors. We each made
a donation, feeling sure that Teacher's parents would have contributed if they
could. Our names will be inscribed on the tablet, and a special blessing will
be ours when the grotto is dedicated to the service of the afflicted and the
sorrowing.
Dublin is a fine city, divided in two parts by the Liffey River. We
were told, twelve bridges span the river in a distance of two and a quarter
miles. There are many monuments to Ireland's sons in the streets and squares
Burke, Goldsmith, Moore, O'Connell. (One of the bridges is named for
him. ) There is a beautiful statue of Parnell by St. Gaudens. It is one of
the two things by him in Great Britain. The other is a statue of Stevenson
in St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. We really saw very little of Dublin.
Polly and I walked in St. Stephen's Green, and we drove through Phoenix Park.
V/e didn't visit Trinity College, although it was only a block or two from
our hotel. I feel that I have about as clear an idea of the city as a mole
has of the dimensions of the earth he burrows in.
We loved the Wicklow County. It is called the Garden of Ireland. We
spent a happy week at Bray, one of the lovely seaside resorts, about eight
miles from Dublin. The Wicklow Mountains are very beautiful. Some of their
peaks are most graceful. Tliey are called in Gaelic "Gilded Spears" because
they catch the first rays of sunrise and continue to reflect the golden bemas
of the sunset long after twili^t has fallen on their emerald glens. Nestling
10
between the lofty mountains is the Vale of Avoca, made immortal by Moore's
"Meeting of the '.Vaters. "
"There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet.
As that vale in whose bosom the bri^t waters meet."
Although Teacher's and Polly's fingers spelled every minute, yet they declared
they simply couldn't impart to me the tender grace of wood and water in their
setting of emerald hills now stem, now gentle, now rugged, now dimpling
with smiles.' All is at still as a dream. Then a trout leaps out of the
bright waters, an eagle soars above a cliff, the wild deer dash through the
green dells to drink at a gurgling stream which laughs in the sunshine. The
Impression I got was one of soft, entrancing beauty a land never forgot-
ten of the eye that has seen it.
Since July 1st we have been settled here in Essex. Trout Hall sounds
very grand, doesn't it? 7/ell, it isn't a castle or a palace or a mansion,
it is a delightful country house, not particularly handsome, but comfortable.
It is four hundred years old. I am writing this letter in the old sitting-
room. The ceiling is very low, and the floor undulates like the deck of a
ship. There is a great fire-place at one end, and at the other a large case-
ment window which lets in all the sun there is. It has rained almost con-
tinuously for a week; but really we can't complain; for the weather has been
glorious ever since we landed the middle of April. The rain was badly needed.
The crops were beginning to suffer from the drought, and our flowers were
athirst for sweet showers. The swifts build nests under the eaves which I
can easily reach, and they make a great fuss when I come too near them.
When they are disturbed, they fly about like a flurry of snow, filling the
air with the boating of their wings and a queer, whining sound. I love to
sit on the window-sill and road, while the fragrance of box, roses and sweet-
11
peas comes u? to me. The sitting-room overlooks the sweetest English garden
you can imagine.
I have a wonderful walk half way round the garden. I start at the front
door and find a large laburnum tree whose branches hang over the lawn, and
which must be a glory in the spring. Then I go along touching shrubs, ivied
walls, arbor vitae, box hedges and rose-bushes to the giant sycamore tree
(under which we have afternoon tea) and back again. I have never had such a
long walk all to myself. I almost forgot to say a high wall encloses the
placed so we are quite secluded. In the middle of the drive-way is a great
walnut tree which must be as old as the house, if not much older. The vegetable
garden is separated from the drive-way by a laurel screen and from the la'wn
and flower gardens by box hedges. The main paths are entered through rose
bowers. The central path leads dovm throu^i the vegetable garden and orchard
to a lovely stream with a rustic bridge and two rows of noble trees which droop
over the water, forming a green canopy.
The gardener and his wife live in the gate-cottage, and look after the
place they go with the place. I don't Imow what you would say to our
kitchens. They are in the old part of the house, and oh, Nella, they are
immense.' And they are as inconvenient as they are big. All the arrangements
for preparing and cooking food are primitive. Fortunately, we have two native
girls who work under Polly's direction, and who have never known the modern
conveniences. All this comfort and beauty and service we have for only forty-
five dollars a week.' Don't you think wo should all come over hero to live
the remainder of our lives? Thin!-: it over.
And, after all, it isn't so much the material advantages as the atmo-
sphere we care about. The spirit of quiet reigns in these quaint rural villages
of England. They haven't changed in centuries, every one is himself or her-
J
12
self, the same as it was in the beginnine. V.’e dare to be dull, to ignore time, to
spend evenings that seem like eternity secure from visitors in a world where there
are no uncertainties. The birds sing the same notes people have heard so many times
before, the bees drone on for aeons, the flowers bloom, and the trees grow larger
and larger, and nobody seems to care. The sun shines upon pleasant faces and natural
hearts. The cottages are snug, if primitive. Just thirty-nine miles away is London
with its worries about unemployment and decadence, India, Egypt and India, a budget
which nobody likes, and no end of awkward questions that keep one awake and start
all sorts of ideas howling about one's ears.' Here we sit cosy, untroubled, lazy,
sipping well, you may imagine what you like and eating buttered scones,
gooseberries and pink salmon from Scotland and roast lamb from the farm across the
hedge.
Isn't the name of this village, ’.Vendens Ambo, enough to lull one to slumber?
There is a string of hamlets like it all about us, reached by lonely lanes that
branch off from the main highway and lose themselves in sheep pastures and fields
which are oceans of golden grain,
Sonetirae I will tell you about Essex, It is perhaps the moat historic county
in Ehgland. Six races have left on its soil successive deposits of their works and
mortal dust. One can scarcely v/alk a hundred feet without coming upon something
interesting a Roman wall or gate, a line of Saxon battle ditches, the ruins of
a Norman castle, an Elizabethan manor house, and abbeys and churches without number.
We are only fifteen miles from Cambridge. What a mine of history and asso-
ciations it holds' One wonders how it is possible for so many people to leave such
splendid halls empty-headed. They show the visitor Milton's mulberry tree,
Erasmus's tower, Byron's pool, Wordsworth's, Newton's and Tennyson's rooms; but
of the multitude who have studied there no trace is left, unless it be the worn
door-steps and pavements. But the twenty colleges which compose the University
abide, and steadfast guard all things venerable and vanished.
I dare send this long letter, knowing you are on a holiday, and will have
time to read it and forget about it before you return to Garden City. I knov; you
don't like long letters, but it is seldom that I offend in this respect, and I hope
it may give you some idea of the good time we are having here.
Teacher is glad now that we carried her off to Britain. There axe still times
when she worries about her eye, but on the whole she is improving in health and
spirits. 3ie and Polly send their love to you and Keith, and you know you always
have ray warm affection.
Faithfully your friend.
The President Roosevelt, May 4, 19J2
Dearest Nella,
We got off famously this time. I guess we are becoming disciplined travellere;
for wo didn't forgot our coats or pack the shoes we intended wearing or keep our
friends on tenter-hooks for hours. We left the house in good time and arrived at
the dock in oiu* right minds .
A lot of people came to see us off. One of our state-rooms was a veritable
conservatory. Max Schling sent me American 'beauty roses four feet high! There was
nothing on the ship large enough to hold them. There were also lilies of the valley,
pansies, gardenias, sweetpeas, hyacinths, narcissi and purple and white stock enough
to strew across the A tlantic. We shared them with Captain Fried and the passengers,
which doubled and trebled our joy in them.
Your soft, cloud-like handkerchiefs will often bring you vividly beside us. We
have resolved to keep them fresh for the Great Occasion in Glasgow. Teacher's black
and white will go beautifully with her now ensemble. Polly loves her jade, it gives
just the right touch to her green outfit. And my white web of gossamer will be ado-
rable with my black velvet dress.
Wo have had a wonderful voyage, sunshine every day and stars every night. It is
noon, and Polly has just come in to say we are passing the first lighthouse off the
coast of Ireland. Thousands uron thousands of gulls are circling, dipping and fluting
aroimd the ship - - a beautiful picture with the EMiorald Isle in the background.
Teacher says the hills look like billows of chiffon in the soft haze that hangs over
Ireland, and away in the distance is a little boat with red sails, like a rod bird
skimming the waters. We are so close to land, we can see the waves dashing against
the shore.
We shall call at Queenstown about four this afternoon and pay our respects to the
Irish Free State. The vendors of Irish souvenirs will come aboard and, I suppose,
wheedle us into buying something we don't want.
Our friends provided us with a wealth of books to while away idle hours. Polly
has read "Humpy," the Russian fairy-tale there has been so much talk about. Teacher
declares she could write a bettor one herself. They found Clare Sheridan's "Naked
Truth" entertaining, but it didn't make them admire the lady overmuch. Now they are
reading "Drawn from Life" by 3 . J. Woolf. The Sketch of Einstein" is delightful.
I have written to dear Eff endi . The thought that hia illness ia getting the
better of him makes me very sad. I wish that I might have seen him before leaving
New York, but I hesitated to make the request, lest it should embarrass him.
I owe Mr. Russell Doubleday a letter perhaps two or three. I will write
to him when I find a quiet nook in the British Isles if our one-time cousins leave
me a moment to myself. Already requests are coming in by radio. "The London
Daily Express" wants an article, and the National Institute for the Blind wants me
to open its new massage school. On the 22nd of June I am to speak for the New Church
of Scotland. Oh dear! oh dear! How I wish I might be invisible for five months!
The truth is, I find that I'm beginning to hate compliments, messages, tributes and
photographs. The effort to take them graciously strains my "love ye one another"
principle to the breaking-point. The grateful smile I wear on all occasions is be-
coming "fixed" on my face, and won't come off when I go to bod.
We should love to have you with us in Cornwall I know you'd lose your heart
to the flower-bedecked lanej the cuckoos in the hawthorns, the larks in the sky and
the sheep in the hill-pastures. Oh, Nella, shall we never go adventuring together
just for the fun of it?
We know you and Keith will enjoy your holiday in the woods with Eugene. A
child's joy in nature is such a lovely thing to see and share!
Teacher and Polly send heaps of love to you both, and so does
Yours +.rtilv V*
South Arcan, September 24, 1955
Dear Nella,
I salute the book! "Anne Sullivan Kacy, the Story Behind Helen Keller" arrived
a week ago. I was speechless when Polly put the book into my hand, such was the
rush of memories that swept over me like a torrent the years during which you
had meditated upon the biography, the seas of documents you had waded through, your
tireless investigations, your journey with Teacher and me to Feeding Hills, Boston
and Tewksbury, our long vigils together. 1 kept touching the handsome, symbolic
black and gold book covers with fingers that longed to read it in Braille.
Picture us, Nella Teacher, Polly, her friend Kiss Bess Hay and myself
sitting with the book all the evening round a bright fire in this quaint old farm-
house, while outside the darkness gathered, fragrant with fallen leaves, vibrant
with the mournful cry of curlews. With excited interest we looked at the illustra-
tions, we turned page after page, feeling that you had brought into being a story
which would long make human souls vibrate with the drama it unfolded. Although I
had heard it so often, yet I had not until then fully realized its power or its
fate-woven quality. You can imagine how the fire burned out as we talked far into
the night.
\
Heading the biography, I marvel at your grasp of happenings both in the Old
World and the New, that shaped the character and the destiny of Anne Sullivan. I
tremble anew as I live through the tragedy of her family and her early years, and
behold in it "the frightful, back-coming, housekeeping, crafty, remembering, child-
avenging Wrath" — - Fate piling event upon event as in retribution. But I also per-
ceive through the pages an inflowing of light from Anne's indomitable soul her
great love for her little brother sweetening her life, as the heather of the lonely
moors saturates honey.
"Tiat is as neer os T can BC.y to you hew the story affects :.ie. You know how
dl'^'^leult it is to write about things that, are clooo to the ’neart.
2
In the words of Chaucer, your book is "ful royally maked." It lacketh nought that
belongeth to a noble book. It hath vigor, depth, a wide circle of interest for read-
ers of different professions and temperaments and a dispassionate regard for all
points of view. It is just, virile and at the same time brimful of pity. Above all,
it has the proud beauty of a heroine strong and rare in mind while young, courageous
always in fight against cruel circumstances, keeping to the last a superb, modest, in-
spiring personality.
But oh the inadequacy of portraits in words or on the canvssJ To tell all the
queenliness of the heroine, her love of beauty, her tenderness to animals, her exqui-
site sense of humor lighting up the most serious talk, her inclusive compassion for
the underdog of humanity, lieth not in the cunning of your pen or my tongue. You were
very courageous to undertake such a high task, and you have succeeded as far as the
brave can.
There will be as many judgments of the book as there are heads and tongues that
jangle, gossip and criticise. It will be as it was with the horse of brass in Tartary
when diverse people diversely conjectured about its nature, some saying it was the
winged Pegasus, others deeming that it was a work of magic, and yet others asserting
that it was the horse of Troy which had brought a great city to destruction. (You
know. Dr. Cutsforth declares that Teacher's method destroyed the real Helen and sub-
stituted one of her own design.) Likewise methinks I hear a buzz of questions round
the biography: "Is Helen Keller a genuine person?" "Did she write her books, or
did her teacher?" "Is A.nne Sullivan a genius or a fakir?" "Did she have any special
method?" "Is her pupil a miracle, or a product of normal educational methods?" May
you have the good fortune to make cease this jangling and wonderment, which began
with Mr. Anagnos's first report and has continued ever since. May the truth be heard,
and the labors of a true teacher bear richer harvests of good unto the children of
generations unborn.
But, Nolle, if I should assay to toll you all the thoughts that roll up and down
5
my mind, it would occupy all this lovely autumn day. It is one of the days when it
is hardest to sit at my desk, so great is the lure to explore new beauties of the
Highlands. I have a walk half a mile long that is "a merveille for to beholde," be-
ginning at the farm-house and going far west through the fields. I walk two or three
hours every day, so as not to be "yfatted on the deyntee mete and foules of the
lond.” Just now my walk is literally a footpath traced by falling leaves. The har-
vest was garnered the first two weeks of August, the earliest within the remembrance
of the farmers hereabouts, and there is not a stock left for the fox or the hare.
The birds are fleeing in large flocks from the woods wbiere late they so merrily sang.
Here is stillness enough for me to harken to the truth that is hidden in dreams.
There is a wistfulness in all things. I find myself looking back to days past and
forward with mingled emotions.
Often, however, my dreams are interrupted by three darling puppies. Maida, the
smallest, a black terror, was given me by Mrs. Eagar, the wife of the Director of the
National Institute for the Blind in London. Maida is a Lakeland Terrier a
special breed for fox-hunting that is coming into vogue. She has very long Aaes, and
is rather uncouth, but most lovable and intuitive. Dileas (pronounced "Gielis,"
and meaning in Gaelic ”my Faithful One") wee sent to me by Lord Aberdeen. He is a
Shetland Collie, a princeling of an illustrious race, gorgeous in s coat of golden
brown, with snow-white breast and feet. He looks like a Dresden China dog flying
in and out of the house. The youngest pup is Broom, named after Loch Broom, which
is golden from the reflection of masses of Scottish broom that grow along its banks.
He is very like Sieglinde with large flapping ears and intriguing ways.
All of them have a passion for walking that is insatiable, and expresses itself
in small leaps, eager barks, much running on and running back to make sure that I 'm
doing the right thing. Their movements are very diverting at first, but when I am
once out in the long lane with a staff, between rows of ferns and birches, broom and
rowan-trees, they amuse themselves, only returning now and then to see if all is
4
well with me. When they tumble over each other greeting me, they must be a study
in red gold, brown and black. If any small creature is sighted, the trio rushes for-
ward, Broom's ears waving, and utters muffled warning feaowls, assximing the police-
man's role, wary and suspicious. I bless them for the amusement and comfort Teacher
gets out of their antics and their affection. I had almost forgotten to say that
the dog so like Sieglinde is of the breed known in Scotland as the Golden Retriever.
We were grieved to hear that you and Keith have had such a horrid summer. I hope
Keith's father is improving by now. I am glad you both dropped everything and hied
to your holiday home on Lake Winnepausaukee. May it a faire hous of blisse prove
wherein ye shal pass longer and mi pleasaimt vacacioune !
Poor Gussie, what a tragic fate! It is sad to think he will no more play about
your home, delighting you with his silken loveliness and his swift, graceful motions,
ind poorer Hannibal, who remains to mourn. But I hope the new kitten will bring him
consolation.
We have had glorious summer with just enough rain to keep the countryside green
and sweet. We have had sun-drenched picnics in the heather or beside a rushing
mountain stream, we have taken some memorable tripe up through Suhherlandshire and
to Orkney and Shetland, a five days' journey with Andrea Berens through Aberdeer^
shire, with a call at Lord Aberdeen's, then down to Birnum Woods and up through the
Pass of Glencoe, made terrible by the tragedy in which the Campbells massacred the
MacDonalds, to Inverness, following the Caledonian Canal part of the way.
Not long ago we visited Brahan Castle, the stronghold of the Seaforth Clan, and
had tea with Lady Tweeddale. We were fed up on tales of the hapless Seer who pro-
phesied many dreadful things, most of which are said to h^ve come to pass. He was
burned at the stake for telling his mistress that her husband was having a merry
time with a pretty coquette in Paris. We were taken up to the ghost-room. The
ghost has been exorcised, but it is solemnly affirmed that fourteen people went mad
in that selfsame chamber. Afterwards we walked through Oak Dell, the magnificent
bower of oaks and beeches where Her Ladyship sits and dreams to the murmur of the
gentle River Conon. In the very heart of the wood we found a pet cemetery where
favorite doge, oats and birds lie buried under pretty grave-stones with touching in-
scriptions. That reads like a poem, doesn't it?
Now we are staying at home, as beseemeth those who would let the jocund season
bathe them in hele and delyte. We should like to remain longer and weave more
thoughts out of old musings, but I fear me, the Foundation will blow its dooinful horn
for our return to the lists of those who battle for the magic purse. Oh Nella, I
can't get away from the delightful, spicy, songful old English of "The Canterbury
Talesi" I'm soaked in Chaucer, as you will have seen in the foregoing pages.
I do not think you are likely to hear from Teacher. She is far from being in a
writing mood. She is almost totally blind now, and it exasperates her that she
cannot see a word. I have never known her to be so impatient and rebellious before.
But I shall not give up hope until the guardian of the light in her eye says the
word that is final. Re was here this summer. He came all the way from London to
see Teacher's eye. He found it somewhat inflamed, and he wanted her to stay here
for some time .
We read Ann Braddy ' s letter about the book with pleasure. Teacher asks you
please to thank her for it. Mr. Miigel thoughtfully sent us Harry Hansen's review.
We also received a most kind letter from Marian Morgan.
We three send you our love and congratulations and every wish for the success
of the biography. May it live as long as Methuselah, and bring you a shower of
blessings richer than the dark threads which are the warp and woof of Teacher's life.
Only when we meet can I say in your ear the private, sad, smouldering thoughts fed
by family misunderstandings and estrangements.
How are the "Slaves of the Sun" progressing?
I must stop now if this letter is to reach you before the spring freshets. Thank-
ing you for your dear thought of me following trails up at your house of rest, I am.
Always affectionately your friend.
South Arcen, January \1 , 195^
D*ar Nella,
I hava not fait much like chirping to my frienda ovareeae ainca wa want to
Glaagow and ware clappad into a nurslng-homa for two weeks. Wa went down to
hava my teath axamlnod and do a little shopping for Christmas, but Dame Luck
shook out a different programme for us from her urn. We were held up so long by
the beneficent tyranny of six medical man tha,t our plan of spending Christmas in
the old-fashioned, homelike way we wished by a bright fire lip here with the
sheep near, the white hoar-frost upon the fields and the Northern Lights playing
in the sky at night was knocked galley west.
It was a weary time for us, I tall you, but I was glad that Teacher and
Polly got the proper care they so badly needed. I have written the details to
Amelia, and no doubt she will communicate them to you and save me the dis-
agreeable task of conning over and over our various afflictions. If Amelia is
secretive, just read the Book of Job, and you will have a fair idea of what has
befallen us.
Now, however, my teeth have come out of the fray In ny mouth instead of
into whatever mortuary teeth are consigned to. Things cannot be much worse or
much batter for Teacher for a long time yet, but Polly is in the saddle again,
galloping off in the old Highland dare-devil spirit. All the dogs have re-
covered from bites, influenza. Infectious catarrh, overfeeding on haarth-brushas
and stove polish. At this moment they era all spread out round the fire-place.
To go back to the beginning, the cable of good wishes from you and Keith
cheered us up . (By the way, wo don't hear much of Keith these days.) The re-
views you sent were very interesting. I know they make you proud. Your long
latter about reporters greeted us in the wee farm-house on our return. Wa read
it with chuckles of amusement. What an exciting time you must hava had with them!
We are, as you say, veterans, and yet we are greyer after each encounter with the
Illuminati of the press. It's staggering how they can turn your most conscientious
statements topsy-turvy and make nonsense out of your wise cracks, but the penalty
of being the author of a well written and well received book must be exacted to
the last drop of blood by the hundred-eyed Argus of publicity.
'/•:« note with surprise that Teacher has become ny nurse, and I have become
her teacher, and that we have given away all our money, and are staying in Scot-
land to hide our destitution from an inquisitive world. You know the truth
that the trustees of the American Foundation kindly granted us a year's leave
with salary, and Mr. Migol has been most solicitous in every letter that we
should have every comfort and no worries about finances. But the newspapers
must have their " seneation."
Teacher listens to the reviews with the smile of the Sphinx. At present she
is in a mood like the quiescent earth in winter, she does not show much interest
in anything, and will not discuss matters connected with her biography or reply
to letters. I like to think she has withdrawn into by-ways of readjustment from
the highway where for years she has endured the jostling crowd, broken plans,
disappointed hopes and the hounding of the dark. On the whole, I believe she is
better off in this environment of wild nature than she would be at home. Cer-
tainly Dr. Berens, who was here lest August, urged her to keep very quiet and
strengthen her health for the ordeal that must come sooner or later if she is
ever to see again. All my purpose and interest are centred in the effort to have
her as well as may be before we return to America.
It doesn't seem as if we had had any winter here. No snow so far, except
high UP on the mountains, many warm days with doors and windows wide open. Spring
is 8 sleep on the wings of the winds that come booming down from the North. There
are shoots two inches high on the bulbs near our door-step, and Polly picked a
daisy out in the fields Monday the 15th I There are green leaves on the rose-bushes
against the wall, and already I smell new life in the grass. I have been looking
in vain for the bleakness that the reporters talk about. We shall soon be wading
through a see of wild-flowers, while
The specially bound copy of your book is beautiful. I'll write to
Mr. Russell Doubleday and thank him for it for Teacher soon.
Polly is reading me dear Effendi's "Recollections," some of which are very
interesting, and I shall write to him also.
Teacher and Folly join me in every wish to you and Keith for the kind of
New Year you would like.
Again congratulating you on the splendid reception of your book, I am.
" Smale fowlee maken melodye
That slepen al the night with open ye'."
Affectionately yours.
The Manse
Bothwell, Scotland, November 19, 1956,
Dear Nella,
’(Ye came here last night after a crowded week in London seeing friends and
trying to clarify our minds for the reconstruction of our so tragically dislo-
cated lives.
Considering the hard work ahead, at first Folly and I thought we would spend
several days with her brother Bert and Isabel, then take rooms at some quiet
Scottish inn like Dunkeld, a picturesque old place with immense, ancient beeches
and oaks in Perthshire, and thus escape interruptions. But now everything has
been arranged for us so wonderfully, it seems like a dream. As you know, there
is always an element of the unexpected about "The Three Musketeers.” (Never for
a moment can I realize, Nella, that "the trio” is no more.)
Bert and Isabel have persuaded us with their irresistible dearness to make
our home at The Manse while we are in Scotland. They have given us their drawing-
room for privacy where we can keep our books, papers — three huge cases full! —
and letters. The sweet understanding shown by every one here, a cosy fire and
warm clothes will make us very comfortable. Beside David, who is taking a
theoretical course of electrical engineering at the University of Glasgow, working
for his "B. S. C.” degree, there are three delightful children in the family.
They will bri^ten me up — and certainly I need soul-sunshine for downcast
moods and a correspondence that seems interminable. We were fortunate to leave
our sorrow-wei^ted home when we did, otherwise we should surely have been
nervous wrecks by this time.
It was good to find your letter here to welcome us and to hear that you saw
things going smoothly in 7111 Seminole Avenue. Polly will answer herself, but
I want to write you about a matter which occupies my thoughts a great deal.
During our visit to London Mr. Augustus Muir, himself a writer for whose
judgment Teacher had a high regard, lunched with us. We were much comforted
by his beautiful words about Teacher and his warm affection for her. In the
course of conversation he broached a subject he had discussed with Teacher each
time we had come to England. He suggested that I keep a journal telling briefly
of my experiences in the silent dark, passing thoughts, reactions to distinguished
people and books I read. He thought such a diary would interest readers every-
where, and might perhaps bring me considerable financial returns. His en-
thusiasm swept aside objections natural to one who has already written two
autobiographies and recorded herself in a multitude of letters, and I started
the diary at once.
Mr. Muir recommended as a publisher Mr. Michael Joseph whom he considers
very progressive and an excellent judge of books produced. Mr. Joseph was
formerly connected with the Firm of Gollancz, but now he is in business for him-
self at 14 Henrietta Street, London. I believe he is publishing Ponsonby's
works and Bertrand Russell's last book. I can assure you of Mr. Muir's disin-
terested attitude towards me when speaking of Mr. Joseph; for hie own publishers
are Methuen and Company.
I met Mr. Joseph, and we had a long interview. He is quite as keen as
Mr. Muir is to have me write the diary. He wants a book of between eighty and
ninety or a hundred thousand words, appearing in four small volumes. On hearing
that Polly and I expected to be in Paris January 29th for the unveiling of the
Borglum statue of Thomas Paine, Mr. Joseph made a suggestion that it would round
'’/kJV S'
off neatly the first voliane, begun aboard the S. 3. Deutschland, ^^to finish it
after leaving France, February 4th. I shall mail it immediately from New York.
We shall be in London again a few days before going to Paris, and I shall
discuss plans with Mr. Joseph more fully. If you have any comments to make, Nella,
I shall be glad to have them at your earliest convenience. Really I am interested
in this new adventure, it will help divert my thoughts from a grief that will be
long in healing.
The diary will not interfere with the article on loacher, I shall write it
just the same as I promised you I would.
Of course you know, Nella, I am not forgetting all the years during which
the House of Doubleday has been my ally and encourager, or the faithfulness with
which you have steered Teacher and me through a multiplicity of bewildering tasks.
Not a day passes without my silent thanlcs to you all for one of the richest, most
significant contributions to our work.
But I feel with you the changes that are taking place about us. Dear
"Effendi” is gone, Mr. Russell Doubleday is retired from active management of
the Firm, and younger men with different ideas are replacing those whom we used
to know. Besides, the work you and Keith are doing is too important for other
demands to absorb your time and energies.
Teacher often expressed a regret that she did not employ a literary agent
who could push our fortunes untrammelled by other duties. Now I have made up
my mind to find a reliable agent and try out alone whatever powers I possess.
If I succeed, it will be another tribute to her who most believed in me. People
will see that I have a personality, not gifted but mine own, and that I can stand
on my feet socially and economically.
Before her death Teacher said, "Wait! I see a hand. It is giving a message
in the sign language. "Liberator." Y/ho knows? — the time may be ripe for me to
shape my life anew and confirm further my message to the handicapped.
This is not half of what I wished to say to you, but I must stop if my letter
is to reach you weathering those gales that are upturning the Atlantic Ocean.
With affectionate greetings to Keith and yourself in which Polly joins as
always, I am.
Lovingly your friend,
n r . -
The Vi'hins, Stirling, Scotland,
January 5, 1957.
Dear I’ella,
There is much dear kindneee to thank you for and no nev; words for ray
appreciation, but I must tell you somehow that it has been good to receive the
signals of your constant friendship on a new, lonely life-trail. Your helpful-
ness to Folly and me in correspondence, the article for the "Outlook for the
Blind" and suggestions with regard to future work means more than I csn express.
Your letter wishing me well in my venture with the diary has put new zest
into it. If you approve the diary when you do read it, my cup of satisfaction
will be full.
Between tasks Polly has read me passages from Dr. Grayson's journal. Cer-
tainly they interest me more than the extracts John Morley quotes in his biography
from Gladstone's diaries, which are calendars punctuated with brealcfast, horseback
riding, lunch, tea, "House" (meaning Parliament) and catalogues of books read.
I am afraid, though. Dr. Grayson's method would not get me anjnwhere. Hr. Kuir's
idea is not for me to write a "literary" journal, but just to comment briefly on
passing events, the distinguished people I have met and places I love with an
occasional page about Teacher or Swedenborg or the thoughts passing through
ray mind.
Our first Christmas and New Year without Teacher might as well be passed
over in silence, except for the beautiful tenderness in the many messages sent us
by friends on both sides of the Atlantic. Other anniversaries will come on which
my heart will cry out for the touch of her hand, and I must not think of them, or
I cannot carry on.
Yi'e are spending part of the holidays with the Bains. The Spirit of ’.Velcome
broods over this house of big-hearted hospitality.
Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland, is very interesting. Last
Sunday we went to the New Year service at the beautiful old Church of the Holy
Rude. I touched the font where Nary Queen of Scots was ^baptized. Y/e went
into the older part where James VI of Scotland was crowned, and where John
Knox smashed all the precious windows, except a lovely jevjel of glass which,
lucidly, was too high for his irate zeal to reach.
I wish you could see the handsome dogs here — three Labradors and a
Cairn — all golden. Lying on top of each other they really look like a pile
of gold in the firelight.
I am glad you are so well pleased with Remus. Nay he bring you joy equal
to the cere and affection you are lavishing upon hie puppyhood.
Yie shall be back at The Manse Thursday. I dread leaving Scotland after
the healing peace we have had, but we must follow our work wherever it calls
us. I will keep the rest of the news until we see you in New York.
With Polly's love to you both and with a pat for Remus, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
UNZEN HOTEL
Cable Address, “UNZEN ”
Unzen ParK
y. ITOW, Proprietor
Telephone Noe, 21t 25.
P. 0. Box. No, 1
May 27, 1957 •
Dear Nella,
Your last letter has found us here at ?\ikuoka, the seat
of learning on Kyushu Island. Vte received the first one in
Kobe a week ago, and before we are swept away on another dash
from city to city and one scenic grandeur to another, I must
thank you for sending us news of yourself it is good to hear,
and for your encouraging comments on the diary. It relieves
me immensely to know that you think it is worth while.
At the same time I feel with you that it needs careful
revision, and that there are gaps which ought to be filled.
Of course when I began the journal, I did not think of
possible readers. I took it up as a weapon against a grief
which was squeezing my heart intolerably. 'A’hat you have read
so far was a struggle to dispel a fog of anguish which
blurred everything more or less. As the diary progressed,
and experiences which seemed interesting multiplied, a little
of the old pleasure in self-expression returned.
It was all I could do not to neglect it, what with three
months' siege of correspondence, the dazzling rush in Paris,
the heartbreaking homecoming and the flying preparations for
Japan. As soon as I got home, I stole many hours from sleep
consulting my Braille periodicals. So I hope when you read
UNZEN HOTEL
2
Cable Address, "UNZEN "
Unzen ParK
y. )T0W, Proprietor
T el ephone Nos. 21i 25.
P.O.Box. No, 1
the reet of the journal, you will find my remarks on happen-
ings in the United States lees naive and vague during
February and March.
As I cabled you, I had written nine-tenths of the jour-
nal. I finished it last week during a few days' rest in
Hara, but the revision still looms on the horizon. To save
my hands Polly had it put into Braille as far as I had gone.
I have the first part from November 4th to January 2Jrd.
The second part I was supposed to receive just before I left
New York, but it did not come, and Herbert cabled that it
had not been received.
You who know the ways and the obligations of the pub-
lishing world can imagine how chagrined I am at having held
up !/.r. Joseph's arrangements as I have. The thought that
I have been a slave of unbending circumstances does not
lessen my contrite embarrassment.
You see, liella, how matters stand. I have no idea when
the diary will be published or when I shall finish revising
it. I find it impossible to work on it while travelling
in Japan. Besides, I am to start next October on a cam-
paign to finish the Endowment Fund for the American Foundation.
Your c^ble about Mr. Joseph and Mr. Maule waiting more
5
UNZEN HOTEL
Cable Address, “UNZEN "
Unzen ParK
y. !T0W, Proprietor
Tel ophone Nos. 21i 25.
P. 0. Bok. No, 1
"personal" details puzzled me not a little. If my outpour-
ings about Teacher, my anxieties and difficulties, work left
undone, plays, things I eat, annoyance at being interrupted
are not personal, I do not know what is. There are countless
details concerning people I know which I have not the gift
to sketch briefly in a diary with an adequate background as
I did in "Midstream." You will no doubt remember Steven-
son's "Virginibus Puerisque" containing the beautiful essay,
"The Truth of Discourse." He pointed out that the greatest
falsehood may be conveyed by a detached remark that is not
interpreted by a look, a tone or a laugh. I shall indeed
be glad to talk the whole matter over with you in the privacy
Most of all, I am impatient to give you an account of the
most amazing, gorgeous, regal, fatiguing tour Polly and I have
ever gasped our way through. Even with a woman's tireless
talk I do not think I can begin to describe it in all its rain-
bow glory. — The embarrassing honor of being the guest of a
unique, artistic and poetic people — meeting Their Imperial
Majesties at the garden party in Tokyo — calling on the Prince
and Princess Takamatsu, and Ambassador's dismay when, en-
couraged by Her Highness's communicative handclasp,- I touched
of home
UNZEN HOTEL
Unz6n ParK
V. ITOW, Proprietor
Cable Address, “UNZEN "
T el ephone Nos. 21< 25.
P.O.Box. No, 1
her lovely face and costume. — The overpowering loveliness
of the cherry-bloesoms wherever we went. > Sixty public
appearances in four weeks, beautiful welcome speeches and
precious gifts of all kinds, enough to fill a museum* Then
there were heavenly breathings spells in the verdant mountain
peace of Hakone, Lake Biwa and Nara, the ancient Capital of
Nippon with its venerable cryptomeria trees under which
Polly and I walked mornings from 6. JO until nearly eight
o'clock, the hundreds of shrines and lanterns and the sacred
deer roaming all over the city unmolested. Now here we are
barn-storming along the Inland Sea with its jade waters,
majestic mountains and distracting activity of various indu-
stries. Our next stop is Nagasaki, the old port where the
Portuguese and the Prench once traded. Before long we shall
be way up in north-eastern Nippon where, I believe, nuch of
the ancient civilization remains-
Oh dear J they have come to take us to the school
where I am to say a few words to the deaf and the blind.
It would make you weep, Nella, to see how hard these handi-
capped groups are trying to come into their own, and how
grateful the people are to us for the little we can do to
help them further. It will not be long now, I am sure, before
Nippon catches up with America and Europe in the education
UNZEN HOTEL
Cable Address, “UNZEN”
Unzen ParK
y. ITOW, Proprietor
Telephone Nos. 21i 25.
P. 0. Box. No, 1
and after-care of its unfortunates.
Yes, Folly and I do get very tired at times, but we
are so thankful for this work, we do not mind as long as
we keep our health and finish with flying colors.
Kow the work for the Japanese blind is being well organ-
ized, and Kr . Iwahashi, who has a noble personality, and his
wife, one of the sweetest, most unselfish women I have ever
known, are taking the utmost care of us. Vre have two girls
who speak English and who serve as maids. If we only say
we have an ache or a pain, the best physicians are summoned
to our aid — and I want you to know, Kella, they are
Excellent. In fact we have never been so well looked after
in our lives.
I am glad Bertha's health has improved and that she is
back with you. P lease greet her for us.
'I'lith our love to Keith and Jake, and with a caress
for Remis, I am.
Affectionately your friend
7llt SEMINOLE AVENUE
FORESX HILLS. NEW YORK
Dear Nella,
Polly and I were eorry not to see you and wirfi you a happy
Christmas before rushing off to Washington, but an inexorable
Parca has apparently decreed that whenever I go away, I must
work every minute by way of penance.
Good gracious, Nellal I see no and to my commissions and
omissions in the journal. I have just discovered that I mi^
spelled the name of Lenore’e daughter. It should be Katharine,
not Katherine. I hope it isn't asking too much to have that
mistake corrected at this late day.
Both Phil and Lenore are saying lovely things to me about
the diary. They are downri^t in their ways and not given to
superficial compliments. So I feel really touched when they
declare that in some ways the journal is the best book I have
written. Very encouraging, is it not?
You are a darling, Nella, to relieve me of embarrassment
and more tedious work in connection with the "Helen Keller
Pageant." Your advice will, I am sure, help make it the in-
teresting and attractive bit of symbolism Teacher would wish
it to be. Thank you ever so nuch. I shall say more when I
have freedom of mind in a letter from Florida.
With our love to you both, and with Christmas Greetings
from Phil and Lenore, I am.
As ever your affectionate friend.
Washington, D. C., Christmas, 1957*
Palm Beach, Florida, January 24, 19J8.
Dear Nella,
There is no measuring in words the helpfulness of your letters the past
month. Only the heart can measure it, and joy in your approval alone can
sound my deep gratitude. Mark Twain used to call I/iTs. Clemens "the Critic
of the Hearth. " You are more — you are Iris who discreetly carries mes-
sages between my lonely citadel and the Olympus of letters.
How often you lift your thinking hand to ease Polly's and ny burden I
How patiently you helped smooth out kinks and tangles while 1 went throu^
the drudgery of making the journal presentable to the world! As wo talked,
erased, added, altered, revised for the — unoountedth time, I felt Teacher
was near. Since Polly and I ran away from Forest Hills, you have valiantly
stemmed the waves of public importunity forever breaking in upon our work,
holidays and even intimacies of friendship.
One gratifying thought always comes when I plan to live as I wish.
Once in calm waters I shall bo free to steer my little thought-bark, plying
the routine of chart, sail and epy**glass, but you, dear Nella, will ever be
the counsellor, like the compass keeping me true to the pole of creative
effort .
Well, Polly has no doubt told you in bulletin form how three weeks
crawled by while we tried to rest and couldn't, to find redeeming features
in a flat, artificial playground of wealth and fashion — and I cried for
the moon in the shape of California with its characterful mountains, sagfr*
filled canyons, pungent eucalyptus trees. However, the last three days have
flown on wings of delight.
JiJr. Migel and his friend General Ely, a veteran of the World War, carried
us off for a cruise down through the Florida Keys as far as Mattacumbia.
The beautiful yacht, "Mettamar," on which we sailed was an ideal place to
sleep and "laze" in steamer chairs, letting sun and wind tan our faces and
banish the house-bred debility that is one curse of present-day civilization.
There could not have been a more fitting time for Polly to read Lawrence
Lee* s poems to me — the first opportunity she had had since we brought them
to Palm Beach. Nothing was asked of us, except to be happy and forget work,
and we succeeded in loafing whole-heartedly. One day we went fishing, struggling
against the Gulf Stream, holding on to the rail of the launch with one hand
and grasping a rod with the other. Mr. Migol and the General managed to
catch some fine mackerel and kingfish. It was good fun. Now we are back here
more contented, remembering the wideness of the sea going througji the entire
gamut of blues and capturing the indescribable pink beauty of the sunset.
Thursday night we leave for Forest Hills, our pile of immediate work
considerably reduced and less urgent tasks fewer apart from the campaign.
It will be nice to have that "wee housie" all to ourselves even if, as Herbert
says, it looks like a morgue in moth-balls and wrappers. Round February 15th
we expect to be on the road, perhaps rushing down here again for a meeting
or two.
Your last letter has just come. You are right about the journal, Nella.
Certainly I should like to do my bit to boost the diary, the House of Double
day has done so much for me, but as you say it would bo too tiring to work for
the Foundation and to appear at book shops also. Besides, I have told the
Foundation I refUse to undertake any other kind of activity on the tour, and
you realize that under the circumstances it would not be right for mo to spend
time selling my books.
&it I shall be glad to autograph in private as many copies as I can.
As soon as we know ourselves where we are going, I will send the itinerary
to you.
I appreciate Mr. Meule's kindness in writing to Mr. McIntyre, and I am
pleased he received a courteous apology. This is not the first time I have
been annoyed and amsed too by that 0l3mpian's inaccuracies.
We were quite as relieved as you wore at Ronus's escape from the trap.
He is such a fearless little explorer, I foresee that hie adventures will be
legion, but ho learns aswell as dares, and I trust he will come out of them
all safe and sound.
After getting homo I hope we may have a good visit with you. Until
then I write our united love to you both.
Affectionately your friend.
I ■* .xsoio®.* euoeiiuoo z 6«v>»«t «d b^^Iq
.aciwiftoojsoi a'.'iat'WlO t»ri^ oz,i bcnuajn bim b‘i%<uuiM n»od
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A
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T
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7111 Seminole Avenue
Forest Hills, New York
Dearest Nella,
When one's heart is overflowing with sweet
emotion, written words do grov: cold, but I must try to tell
you in soul language, before we leave this noon, that your
Nest of Peace is twice blest. It blesses you who put us into
it for six v.'eeks ' Joy-gathering and us who have revelled in (M
its enfolding hospitality.
Every day here, Nella, has been an idyll of
freedom both in mind and body. New grovrths of thought, courage,
and will to conquer have "greened," as the German phrase has
it, in every nook and corner of my being. I am going away
v.'ith a tender nostalgia for the life I have tasted here
exempt from the Incessant sv;armlng and buzzing of the human
hive, but also with gladness that these treasures of medita-
tion, dream and happy simplicity will be stored up imperish-
ably in my spirit.
How inundated we have been with every kind of
beauty every minute on Foss Mountain 1- -Sunshine bewitching
the weariness out of us.--Fta.ins that gave me the fairy
thrill of dripping like the wild flowers at my f eet .--Uncon-
fined winds annulling the disparity between my lagging flesh
and swift-flying spirit-wings. — Polly's fingers actually
a-flutter vfith bird glimpses and songs, her arms outstretched
in eloquent gestures as she watched the horizon or tried to
picture to me the mountains at sunset or v/hen the lightning
illumined them. --Herbert ' s face radiating health and zest in
every thing. --The earth atune with long grasses as I roamed nm
and the v.’hlte pines soughing over me. But why run on and on?
Deai^ Kr. Doubleday,
A.
I thank you for your very kind letter with enclosures. Helen is writing
this for me because, as you know, I cannot write myself. I am not yet adjusted
to living wholly in the dark, and this is the first letter I have even dictated
for a year.
I was surprised to receive a check for part of the sales of Mrs. Henney's
book. I thought I had made it clear to her that I would not accept any part of
the royalties on my biography. There is no question in my mind that it is her
book. For a time I thought of it as partly mine, and, to be frank, I hoped I
should realize something from it when I consented to have it published during my
lifetime. Mrs. Henney and I discussed terms on that basis, but the real situa-
tion dawned upon me when she brought me the contract to sign, according to which
half the royalties would be paid me during my life, and would at my death revert
to her. I saw instantly what I should have recognized from the beginning, that
a book belongs to the author and not to a person or persons who may supply the
material. I told her at once that the book was hers, and that all it might bring
would be hers. I am still of the same mind. There is no possible different
attitude. I, therefore, return the check, with regrets that you have had extra
bother with book-keeping.
I should appreciate it, Mr. Doubleday, if you would tell Mrs. Henney that I
consider it most generous of her to wish to share the fruits of her long years
of conscientious work with me, and I wish her many pleasant satisfactions from
the book. I sincerely hope with you that it will eventually win the success it
deserves. I am sorry it has not sold better. The reviews have been wonderful,
and there can bo no question that it is a well written book. The public ought
to be spanked for not appreciating it.
Helen also wishes to than' you for your note and the check. She is amazed
that "The Story of My Life" is still being read by so many people.
iVe three, here in the hills of Scotland, grieved with you when dear Effendi
died, he had been our friend for so many years, and he had done so much to make
life easier for Helen and me. When some friends depart, they leave a strange
emptiness in the world that is never filled, and Effendi is one of them.
I feel that I am not worthy of all the kind things which have been said
about me since the publication of the biography, but I am grateful for them all
the same, and shall ever be.
Most sincerely yours,
Oluiiu l
Muir of Ord, Scotland,
March twenty- seventh. ,
se€?/shj
Looe« Lotus-Land in th« Spring, 1930
Dear Dnole Walter,
I haTO made many attenpts to Write to you slnoe we reached this paradise the
middle of ^ril, but nothing mailable has resulted. I simply couldnot write here
in Cornwall while it was new and entrancing to every faculty. There’s a spell in
the air, and you can't escape it. The wind blows about your face so free and care-
less, and gets into you, and you don't care a little bit idiat happens to the rest
of the universe. It oeoo. tumble into space, and you only oat another pasty. The
Cornish air has bewitched mo and made mo forget the things that ought to be done. I
syiQ)athise with the Cornish boy who said "I haav an ex' lent memory, but cudn’ always
mind things as was to do."
When your dear letters came, they were gorse to my oonsoienoe. Have you over
tried to pick a bit of gorse — golden to the eye, fragrant to the nostril, but
terrible to touch. Its long spines pierce the fingers cruelly, I wonder why such
a free-bom plant surrounds Itself with a wall of threatening spesirs. Well, "there
'tis, and it oaan’t be tisser," as the people here would say, and I might as well
say the same of my own oonsoienoe, and let it go at that.
Polly has already written to you about our voyage, which is all to the goodi
for it has now become a dim memory to this lotus-eater. I only recall that wo
often wondered where we should go after wo left the ship at Plymouth. The steward
on the President Roosevelt advised us to stay in Cornwall if wo really desired quiet.
A day or two before wo landed, Polly received a cable from her sister telling us to
go to Bodrlgautt at Looe, some friends of hers had staiyed there, amd liked it. That
settled the matter. >Vhon we got off the tender, wo found that wo could motor to
Looe, which is about twenty miles from Plymouth. The agent of the United Ctatos
Lines got a oar for us, and wo were off on our Groat Adventure,
Wo found the streets of Plymouth so fascinating, wo nearly changed our minds
before we reached the ferry that crosses the Tamar River ■artiloh separates Devon from
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Cornwall# Almost every one we passed was carrying daffodils baskets full, arms
full, poney*'oarts full — and wo bought all the oar could hold from an old woman for
ton cents. That was my first contact with the England of Shakespeare, Shelley and
Wordsworth. The thought flashed into my mind how it must have tom the hearts of ovir
Pilgrim Fathers to have to leave this dear, beautiful leind.
There is a saying in this country, "Ef you caan't stand the smell of now broad,
go out of the baake-house." Now, Uncle Walter, I give you fair warning. "If you
caan't stand a lot o' thrills" and ecstasies and romance and old things, you'd best
not read any more of this letter. You know when I start on a theme that captivates
mo I go on and on and on like Tennyson's brook. One can't ramble through Paradise
without longing to share the precious experience with those outside. What would I
not give to have the poet's gift of making others see what he sees in a few vivid wordsl
Azid oh. Uncle Walter, the things I have to tell you are like the leaves of the trees
for aultitldeJ
If you are minded to go on with the letter, come with us into Cornwall, Once
having crossed the Tamar, we were as free of our past as the Israelites were free
of Egypt on the other side of the Jordan, When our oar glided off the ferry, Polly's
bright eyes lighted on the "Queen's Arms," a tiny vdiitewashed tavern on the roadside.
Its aged oaken door wouldn't be opened for two hours, the driver told us. In a
minute we were in what they call here a country lane. Wo followed a tributary of the
Tamar which we glimpsed through a mist of green. The trees were Just budding.
The willows were already in leaf, and I oovild smell the virgin grass and reeds —
a tide of green advancing i^on the silver-grey stream. It was misting, end soft
clouds wore tumbling over each other in the sky which. Teacher said, had the effect
of intensifying the greeness, \intil the land seemed a groat emerald. Soon wo
passed the stream and went speeding between grassy hedges thick with primroses and
violets, I had to got out of the oar half a dozen times and feel the blue pools
of dog-violets and the cascades of golden primroses. 1 had never touched anything
like it before, not oven in California. Nothing I had read had given me any idea of
• 3 —
what an English hedge was like. I Imagined such hedges were planted, and grew
straight from the ground as a priwt hedge gro»/s. But they €U*en»t like that at all.
Like many other beautiful things in England, the hedge-rows have their origin
in homely necessity. When the land was cleared for crops euid pastures, and lanes
were out through them which in time became roads, the sods, loose stones and under-
brush were left on the sides forming moimds. As the centuries passed, these mounds
became each year thicker, higher and more inviting to wild things seeking a place
of habitation. The farmers kept them trimmed without taking from them any of their
uniqueness. All kinds of wild-flowers, ferns and brambles have found a home on those
great banks, and in some places rows of trees, some very large, spring up from seeds
scattered by the winds, forming a superhedge. A blackthorn, laurel, broom, hawthorn
and wild oheriy are very fond of the hedges, and lavish upon them all their beauty
and fragrance. Evoi^ field in Cornwall is bordered by these hedges, which eu’e entered
either through a gate or over a log or stone stile. I have clambered over many of
these gates and stiles. The famors don't object so long as one is careful to close
the gate. The cattle and sheep, gracing in the lovely pastures, are so friendly, they
merely lift up their heads when wo pass. If the lambs bloat, the ewes look at them
reprovingly. One day when I was resting in a pasture, the sheep oame up and sniffed
mj"^ dress a oom-flower blue color — apparently uncertain whether to eat it or
not. In all Cornwall there isn't an unfonced field such as wo see everywhere in
America. All this land, except parts of the moors, is kept under oultivatlon.
Bless me, how I have digressed. But Cornwall is all twists and turns and crrmipled
horns. It's in5)088ible to be direct and logical here. To be in a htirry in Cornwall
is to be stark mad. Here one moves slowly, looking backward and forward, upward and
downward and athwsurt. Hushing from one thing to another is unthinkable where beauty
abounds, and exquisite thrills wait on every step. But I must got on to Looe.
Imagine ovir delight vdien another beautiful stream oame alongside the oar and
munnured "I am Miss Looe." The exclamations shouted into my hands made me sense her
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loveliness as she followed us softly among the green fields, her banks fringed Yrtth
budding trees and tall swaying rushes. As we neared the oliffs of Looe, a silver-grey
oloud drifted up the river and dissolved into a thousand gulls. We found later that
Looe is the gulls' paradise. They take possession of the rooks, the fishing-boats
and the roofs of the houses. If there is anything floating on the water, they swoop
down i^on it, and it's gone. I could write a irtiole letter about the gulls alone, they
are so interesting. On the wing they are the spirit of heauty, and in the storm they
are the spirit of the tempest. The fishermen look upon the gull as their friend
because it hovers over their boats and warns them with Its plaintive cry of approaching
storm, it flies jifter them when they go out of the harbor and meets them when they
return. The gulls are voracious thieves, and when fish is scarce, they go inland and
feed on the fields] but no one in Looe begrudges them anything they steal, and woe
betide anybody who interferes with the gulls or harms them. It Is amasing how many
kinds of g\tlls there are — whits gulls with ebony-tipped wings, white gulls with
grey wings, brown gulls with yellow beaks. A swarm of sea-gulls on the bare oliffs
is one of the moat beautiful eights in natiure.
So amid the clamor and the flight of gulls wo arrived in Looe. We loft the oar
at the foot of the cliff whore Miss Looe joins her sweetheart the Atlantic Ocean.
The raaiiager of the Bodrigan, a pleasant young man, Mr. Marshall, mat us, and we climbed
to our bungalow. I know you will be interested to hoar abo\xt this little place. There
is a nice sitting-room with a fire, a piano, comfortable chairs suid lounges, a cabinet
with beautiful copper plates, kettles and candle- sticks, and over the fireplace quite
a display of old china figures and jugs. On each side of the hearth is an old-
fashioned seat where I sit toasting my feet when I road. There is also a large window
and glass door opening outward upon the porch. A little hall separates the sitting-
room from the three bed-rooms and bath. We have electric lights and all the conveni-
ences. Two sweet girls attend to eveiything and keep the fire bright. Wo take our
meals in the dining-*oom of the hotel which is only a few steps from the bvmgalow.
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All thle oomfort, beauty and peace ie ours for only eighty-flTe dollars a week*
Our wee porch Is a delight. There we bask in the sunshine, and we never tire
ot watching the river below, which is like a jade pool when the tide is in. The fishing-
fleet comes and goes with the tide, escorted by the gulls. Beside the fleet there
are sail-boats and freight-schooners, and sometimes a yacht comes in for afternoon
tea or provisions. Their visits are hurried, as the tide waits for no man. In spite
of all the activity on the little river, it is very quiet. At first we couldn’t
understand why there was such silence. 7io learned that fishes are siq)posed to be very
sensitive to sounds, and the fishermen consider it a deadly sin to whistle or sing or
make the least noise when their nets are spread for a oatoh. Beyond the snug little
harbor is the sea, Bind without getting vp from our chairs we can look across the great
waters to Sandy Hook. Polly often glinqjses the big liners on their way to and from
America.
Looe itself is fascinating with its narrow crooked streets following the line of
the cliffs, its houses rising one above another and the green sat of green hill-pastures
as a background. When we walk by the sea I can smell it and feel the spray, but the
solidity of the cliffs prevents mo from getting the vibrations. As we climb the steep
paths, we pause for breath and look backward and forward, upward and downward and
athwart. We notice how constantly the sea changes from turquoise to sapphire, from
aquarraarino to gun-metol, hard «md burnished like armor. Sometimes it is gentle and
playful, frolicking on the golden sands or creeping over the dark rooks to fall asleep
in the hollows and crannies like a tired child. At other times the spirit of demons is
in its thrashing waves* This morning it lay very still under a soft blanket of mist.
Now it is rumpl5ng up its foathere like an angry eagle. Its unique feature is diversity,
I am told that Cornish people always turn their faces to the sea vrtion they are talking,
and why not? The sea is in their blook, it is their workshop, their play^groxmd and
sometimes their grave.
I don't wonder that sduggling was popular in Cornwall, nature seems to have
intended the "delectable Duchy" for that exciting occupation. The Cornish coast is
$ m
full of hidden buys, headlande and mysterious inlets to caves and galleries suitable
for hiding silk, tea, French wines and good oognao. These cool caverns and grottos
are deserted now, except for the fairies vtho dwell in theiu The smugglers were fight-
ing men ^vho regarded their trade as honorable, and defended their little crafts with
their lives. One at least could fight and forgive when worsted, like the old smuggler
at Talland srtio had it recorded on his tombstone that he prayed God "to pardon those
wicked preventive men who shed his innocent blood."
The fishing villages of Cornwall are very picturesque seen either from the beaches
or the hill-tops, with all their boats riding to their moorings or sailing about in the
harbor. One of the most impressive spectacles that has been described to me is the
boats drifting on the dark waters at night with their lights twinkling. The scene is
must peaveful, not a sound reaches the shore. For, as I said before, the fishermen are
silent. Can you imagine anything more fascinating, Unole TWalter, than to feast your
eyes upon such a picture? Teacher and Polly give me such vivid word-pictures that I
am spellbound. 'When the moon, large and serene, floats up the sky, leaving in the water
a long track of brightnesa, like a plough breaking up a soil of silver, I can only sigh
my ecstasy.
The coast villages, beautiful in the sunshine, are glorified by the moonlight.
The houses nestle in the rooks, eoid seem a part of them. £aoh house is surrounded by
a stone wall, which prevents the garden from sliding into the water, and the effect is
of hanging gardens, the flowers cascading over the rocks in astonishing profusion*
When we oaase here the middle of J^ril, the walls were covered with daffodils, violets
and primroses, wall-flowers, forget-me-nots and a piare white flower called snow-on-the
mountain. After the primroses and violets came wild hyaoinths, very fragrant, with
long, pliant stems and dainty blue balls ringing the changes of spring in every nook
and corner of Cornwall, naroissi, or "sweet Nanoys" as they are called here, wind-
flowers (anemones) very large and brilliant, and the delioate English daisy, always
attended by the golden buttercup, and the ragged robin, or wild geranium. Then oame
the rhododendrons and azaleas. I wonder if you have ever seen rhododendrons grow
- 7 -
into trees. UTe hadn't, and their orimeon splendor took away our breath. T¥e saw one
hedge of them that is nine miles long - a blaze of color. Before the rhododendrons were
quite gone, there came billows of apple, pear and oherry blossoms, mingled with the
scents of lilac and honeysuckle. Now the hawthorn, the roses, peonies euid blue-flags
are holding high cami-val in the lanes. I nose through this tangled wonderland, touching
the flowers imtil my fingers tingle, and breathing their perfume until my senses achei
Whatever way the wind blows, it brings with it the odors of gorse and the countless
wild-flowers that grow untainted, as if in the whole world there were no such things
as smoke-stacks, crowded cities and subways.
The cliffs and country lanes teem with life i[diich we sense even when we can't see
it. The hillsides fairly twinkle with rabbits' tails as they scamper away at our
approach. Feathered life is abundant everywhere — gulls, rooks, crows, trtilte herons,
swans, wild ducks and geese and pheasants. There is an estate on the road to Plymouth
where they shoot seven hundred pheasants in a day during the season. When we pass it, we
often see them in the fields and on the road, their gorgeous pltaaage sparkling in the
sxinlight. With the first peep o' dawn the larks begin to trill. Thousands of them
rise from "the dull earth to sing hymns of praise at Heaven's gate." From the ivy-
covered walls we hear the lonely note of the cuckoo — the sweet, shy bird of May*
Although Polly watches and waits, she hasn't been fortunate enough to see one yet.
And mingled with the heavenly scents, the flutter of wings and the evening song of birds
is the music of the sea which lulls us to sleep, washing away all the cares, all the
strife and "all the old pains that to living belong,"
There is much of interest in Cornwall outside its rural beauty. The people them-
selves are charming, so friendly, so courteous. The hamlets and villages are darling,
each has its special attraotlvenes — its ancient, ivy-trellised church or castle or
a holy well or a unique tavern. Almost every house, be it ever so tiny, has a flower-
plot, and eaerji window is a bouquet* The people are gifted with the love of the country.
^ They have a quick sensibility to the charms of nature and a keen enjoyment of simple
pleasures like walking, picnicking and hanging over the garden gates chatting with their
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naighbors across th® narrow street, which isn’t a street bvit a zigsaggiug path. It
is a delight to meet young and old carrying bunches of flowers in their hands or
fastened to the end of a stick to keep them fresh or tied to the liandle-bars of their
bicycles. I can't imagine a prettier sight than the children clambering over the
hedges picking primroses and bluebells. The men even often display genuine pride and
zeal in the care of their flower-plots and their fruits and vegetable gardens. One can
see them digging and weeding in the early morning and after supper, bo they miners or
fishermen or merchant-men. Every spot capable of vegetation has its plant, its flower-
ing shrub or tree, and even the granite walls gleam with refreshing verdure. Everything
seems to be the growth of ages of regular and peaceful existence.
In Cornwall everything is alive. The mine has its "nuggies" which the miners are
careful not to offend, or bad luck will overtake them. The sea has its "buccas" known
to the fishermen. If spoken fair, they bring plenty of fish into the nets and lobsters
into the pots, and in times of storm and danger they guide and boats safely into harbor.
Every mill and field has its "piskies" who tease the farmers if their idiosyncraoies
aren't respected. Every pool and wood and moor and book has its voice or moan or ghost.
There are many Cornish legends which show how real this spirit life is to the people.
One of them goes like thist -
"From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggetty beasties
And things that go bus?) in the night.
Good Lord, deliver us."
Another litahy runsi -
"From wizards and buzzards
And long-tailed lizards
And things that creep
Through other folks* hedges.
Good Lord, deliver us."
The devil also plays an ijn^ortant part in the affairs of Cornwall. He is politely
referred to as Old Artful. There is some confusion in the stories told about him. It
is said he never crossed the Tamar River, and if this be true, how are we to account for
hie handiwork hereabouts? I myself have seen Old Artful's frying-pan at the end of Looe
- 9 -
Pier* * I have also seen the hedge he built one day from Lerrin to Looe, it Is se-ven
miles long. Any one can see the mark of the olo-Ton hoof on a stone gate-post not far
from St, Mowan’s Chviroh. It is said that the saint wanted a high tower to his ohuroh,
but Old Artful objected, and there was a battle royal between him and the saint. The
saint came out victor, but Old Artful loft his mark. It is recorded that Old Artful,
wishing to interfere with the building of a church tower at Ladook, changed himself into
a raven and flew into the churohi but the babies who were brought to be baptized set
up such a howling that he flew out again. Whenever a church is built in an inconvenient
place, the blame is laid on Old Artful, who would have it there and nowhere else. There
are pictures which show him removing at night the foundations sdiloh the masons had laid
during the day. One day Old Artful saw a Cornish housewife laaking a conger pie, and
asked her sdiat she ptxt inside. The old woman, smelling brimstone, answered, "If you
don’t take yourself off pretty quick. I'll clap you inside, and then wo shidl have
deviled pie." This so alarmed him that he gave a hop, skip and jui^ and landed at
Devil’s Point in the next county. From one end of the Duoy to the other there are traces
of his Satanic Majesty — unmistakable foot-prints, bellows, o-nens and frying-pans.
When anything is to bo accounted for in Cornwall, it is put down to the saints or
the plskies or Old Artful or the giants. The giants have left behind them almost as
mcmy landmarks as the saints and Old Artful. The Cheese Wring is perhaps the most
Impressiva. It marks the end of the giants’ reign in the "Duchy". The saints had
arrived, and gained favor with the people, who supplied them with fish on Fridays. The
giants grew jealous, and resolved to chase the saints out of the country. Various
methods were tried such as boiling, baking and grilling, b\it the saints multiplied.
The giants, being a quarrelsome race, wore fond of hurling rooks at one another. On
one occasion the were holding an open-air meeting near St. Tua’s holy well. When St.
Tue heard they mighty shouts and felt the earth shake as the giants tossed rocks about,
ho came out of his cave and saw a sign in the sky and went to their rendezvous. Dodging
In and out between the giants’ legs ho managed to roach the centre of the arena. He
was a tiny man, and said to Uthor, the biggest giant, "Pick me up, I have something to
- 10 -
■ajr." Uther baing a strong man, admired the pluck of the little saint, picked him
up and held him in the palm of his hand, thinking that iriien the saint had made his
oration, ho would chuck him into one of his pookats# Trfhat St. Tuo had to say was that,
since the giants were warring against Heaven, he had come to challenge them to a contest
of rook hurling. If he was heaton, the saints would agree to leave the lend, if he won,
the giants would all bo baptised with the sign of the Cross. TUith laughter that shook
the parish from end to end and much rude comment on the saint's lean and hungry
appearance the challenge was accepted. There were twelve rocks to be hurled in the
contest. The fairly round small stones were pitched a hvindrod feet to start with.
St. Tue's knees shook vdien his tiim came, but faith strengthened his arm when he bent
to pick the rook. It was a feather in his hand. He hurled it with such precision that
it capped number one, as though it grew there. The game went on, and the pile grea
higher and higher. The giants shouted mightily when other's rook capped the saint's,
but they groaned and showed tester when St. Tue's rook capped Uther 's. It was St. Tue's
tuxTi to hurl the twelfth rook. The giants held their breath. The great rook rose in
air and descended upon the pile as true as a die. Still the giants were not satisfied.
A thirteenth rook was brought, so huge that even Uther trembled when he saw it. But he
lifted it with both hands and hurled it with all his might, and it fell to earth short
of the pile. He fell in a heap exhausted. St. Tue looked at the sone and at the
heavens and breathed a silezrt prayer. Wien he reached for the stone, he saw that an
angelic host was lifting it. They carried it through the air and placed it as a crown
upon the Wring for all men to marvel at evermore. Uther bowed his head and confessed
his sins, and St. Tue baptized him. Uany followed his exan^le, but some who were blind
with rage refused, and were driven out of the land. If you doubt this story. Uncle
Walter, you must come to Cornwall and see the Cheese Wring for yourself. If there is
still the slightest doubt in your mind of the authenticity of the story, you must visit
St. Tue's grave. You will see an elm, an oak and an ash growing on it, their roots
forming an arch from under vdiioh a spring of clear water gushes out of the earth. It
is said, if a Oomish bride drinks first of the water, she will dominate her husband and
be the true head of the house. There are innumerable legends about the giants and the
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saints. Sometime I will tell you how St. Agnes, who came o-vor from Iroland on a
cabbage leaf, rid the country of Bolster, the king of Giant-land.
Cornwall is known as the land of the Saints. At one time Irish saints swarmed
across the Channel in such crowds that King Tawdrig was in danger of being eaten out
of house and home. His keeper of provisions reported that every living thing in air
and field and wood had been devoured, that all the salted meats in the keeves had
disappeared, and he ended his report by saying, "If you don’t stop this immigration of
Irish saints, wo shall bo oaten up sdive." The good King ordered the castle to bo put in
mourning, and when a new shipload of Irish saints arrived, the keeper announced that
the King was dead, and that his last words were, "Give them my bones, since there is
nothing loft in the land to eat," The king enjoyed his ovm fvineral, and when the time
came, ho got up smd looked through a peep-hole to see the procession. "The saints",
he said, "will surely give me a grand funeral}" but he was mist ken. mien they heard
that all the keeves were empty, they departed, and there wasn’t a saint left in the
land on the morrow. They must have returned shortly} for saints are plentiful in
Cornwall. Ho sooner is one out of the Pariah of St. Austell than one is in to the
Parish of St. Blasey, and from St. Blasey one goes to St. Columh, and so on through the
alphabet. Chapels, hermits’ cells and holywells abound. There is one sparkling spring
vdiich insures one from hanging if one has been fortunate enough to be christened with
its waters. There is another spring, in which, if a madman is ducked, he will be cured.
Then there is another well in which a maiden may see her future. One which especially
interests mo is under weeping willows in a cool stone grotto, St. Cubbie’s Well, where
lovers go to plight their troth,
Cornish dwellings are very Interesting. The houses are small, and I can feel
them from door to chimney-pot without much difficulty. To bo wlnd-and-watertight is
the common idea of a comfortable abode. On the moors and on the coast the houses are
of stone. If stone is scarce, the yellow earth is mixed with a little chopped straw
to make walls that resemble the soil, TOien they are covered with thatch and half hidden
with creepers, roses and wisteria, they are very pleasant to look upon. (Thatched roofs
are still to be seen here). Everywhere the fishermen’s idea of comfort is snugness.
- 12 -
Hie first thought is a dry shelter for his nets, fishing-gear, sails and spars*
Above ho oonstruots a loft, ehioh ha divides into tiny rooms fitted up with lookers
like the oabin of a ship. He builds as near the harbor as possible. He gets down to
the ground by moans of stone stops which have the appearance of the gang-way of a
ship* He even makes a hatch in the kitchen which he lifts whan he descends into
the cellar. Just as we would go down into the hold of a ship. He likes to Jump out
of his boat and into his bed in the shoii:eBt time possible, he detests walking any
more than he oan help after landing. For this reason the idea of a street never
enters his head. That is irtiy the streets of Newlyn, St. Ives, Mevagissey, Fowoy
(pronounced Foy) Polperro and Looe are so erratic and fascinating* One person oan
block iq> the whole thoroughfare in one of these villages* Were it not for the
flowers that adorn the fishermen’s dwellings, they would be rather unoouthj but
when geraniums, roses, fusohslas and Jasmine cover them, they are charming.
The old churches of Cornwall, with their massive portals, arches and square
towers, show more regard for arohiteotxiral details* The Nonnan towers I can't touch,
but I can reach the arches and feel the carved screens between the body of the
church and the altar. In the little Talland church, which isn't far from us,
luscious grapes, wine-glasses, keys, shields, crowns and many other objects are
carved on the ends of the pews* The pews of the gentry in these old churches are
always separated from those of the common folk. Under the stone aisles are buried
the first families of the land. The lettering on the slabs is still distinct after
several hundred years. I road the date 1671 on the baptismal font at the Talland
church. There, too, under the entrance arch, opposite the church door, I was
shocked to find the stocks where prisoners used to bo pilloried. The oraaq>ed stone
seat where they suffered made my bones aoho, and the holes where their arms were held
as in a vise sickened me. It is difflovilt to imagine the feelings of Christian
people who passed those poor wretches on their way to worship Him who said "Let him
who has committed no sin oast the first stone."
altars and screens of the churches are elaborately carved. The tombstones
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in the graveyards record successive generations of warriors and worthies of the
olden time whose progeny still own the same fields and kneel at the same altars.
(l am not quite as sure that they kneel as that they own the fields.) The
parsonage or vicarage as it is called if it belongs to the Church of England, is
usually netu*, and is often as antiquated as the church. In old times stiles and
foor-paths led from the church-yard over pleasant fields, along shady hedge-rows to
the mansions of the gentry standing apsurt in their rural beauty, surrounded by
noble trees.
The Cornish people must have been very religious indeed, if we are to Judge
from the nimiber of churohes they built. In the Parish of Paul the towers of fifteen
parish churches can be counted from one spotj In the early days when roads were few
and very bad, the ohuroh-towers served as guides. The people spoke of the distance
from one church-tower to another. Even now they know these towers by sight and their
bells by sound.
Besides the Church of England there are chapels, or "Both-els," scattered over
the moors whore the minors and their families hold love-feasts and prayer-meetings.
Their day of days is Wiitmonday. As sure as that day comes rotmd, the miners begin
to tune up because they feel good. It is a something in the air iidiioh makes the
cuckoo put his head out of his green window and utter his sweet, mournful note. Then
other birds start singing, and the miners come out from their cottages and sing too.
In fact, all England goes on a holiday Ihltmonday. It is a day of picnics, of bands
and pageants. Everything with wheels goes down the cliffs, along the lanes and athwart
the beaches. Chairs are put in wagons for old people, so that they oan have their
good share of the day. From our little porch we watched the laughing, singing,
dancing throng which Invaded Looe like locusts — three thousandl Wo wondered how
little Looe would find rolls, osdce and tea for them all. Fortunately, some of them
brought their lunch} b\it every eating-place was crowded to its "all and utmost."
How your hospitable heart would have rejoiced. Uncle Walter, in that glad and gay
soenei
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Th« ”Weslums''f as the Methodist miners oall themselves* have a special
celebration on Whitmonday which commemorates the occasion when John Wesley preached in
the Pit. Ho wouldn't recognise the Pit as it is now. They say it resembles a
natural amphitheatre — a groat bowl. In Wesley's time it was in "a state of nature",
but when it became a place of mooting and prayer, the minors dug terraces into the
liuid, ««viTig the bowl larger and rounder, the seats rising in tiers one above another,
thus creating a ta!iq>le on the moors to iriiioh thousands of simple, hard-working people
flock as to a shrine.
John Wesley is a saint in Cornwall today. Ho one would shy stones at him as
they did #ien ho began preaching to the miners. The trick of stoning people who
come with a message of blessing to the unprivileged of the world has, I hope, been
loot in Cornwall. Saving miners' souls was not a popxilar enterprise when Wesley
introduced it into the west eounti^. He was driven from one parish to Ginother, and
banished to the moors, where he lived as best he could on berries and turnips* The
blaokberriss were plentiful, in spite of the faot that Old Artful cursed them when
St* Michael whipped him o\it of the "Duchy" with his stout blackthorn staff* Cold,
hungry, shelterless, John Wesley rode his bony little nag to cockpit, wrestlings
ring and public-houses, where he wrestled fearlessly for men's salvation. The miners
came to his meetings in greater and even greater numbers, and a new spirit took
possession of the moors and the hearts of hximble folk*
I have told you. Uncle Walter, aboxit Cornwall's old ohurches, old wells, old
houses. How I'm going to shook you, perhaps, by describing the old taverns that
offer hospitable oheer to those who enter their time-scored doors* If I could convey
to you any notion of the charm, the cosiness, the beauty of these hostals, you
wouldn't bo shocked, I know* On the oontrsury, you would, maybe, got together a
society for transporting some of Cornwall's "Rod Lions," "Punch-Bowls," "Rising Suns,"
"Jubilees," "White Harts," "Silver Arrows," and "Bright Angels" to the Ihilted States,
^ will try to describe the "Punch-Bowl Tavern" at Landreth* It is at the txmi
of the road, next to a beautiful little church. The building is so low, I can reach
- 16 -
tq) to the eaves* There is a cobble drive through the middle of it where in the
old days the coach and six stood while the travelers alighted for refreshment.
Inside it is finished in old oak, very sjoooth and rich in color. On the walls are
old plates and Jugs. If you ask, they will show you the original punoh*>bowl, a
beautiful piece of china worth fifty pounds at least. I am sxirprised it hasn’t boon
carried off before this. The Tavern is kept by two women, a mother and daughter. The
mother is white-haired, and has a very sweet face. The daughter is extremely pretty,
and they are both refined, with low, pleasant voices. IVhen we first went there, the
young woman was arranging flowers, and a very pretty picture she made when she cane
to the door, her hands full of bluebells and narcissi. Everything abotxt the place
was neat and homelike. We went into the garden, which was full of violets, forget-
me-nots, bluebells, buterov^s and roses vdilch were not in bloom, but when they are,
the wee road-house must bo a bower of delight. Eveiy village and )Tamlet has one or
more of these quiet nooks of enjoyment and friendship. Some of them are near a
harbor or headland, and one can sit in a tiny garden, look through a latticed rose
window and see the ships passing on the open sea. If you partake of the excellent
food served in such a picturesque setting, and take with it a good red wine, you will
be rejuvenated for months.
But man can’t live for old houses, old wells, old ehurohes and old taverns
alone, he must work as well as eat and pray.
Next to farming, ohlna olay is the chief industry here. Saint Ausoell (pron-
ounced Saint Auzell) is the center of the olay region. In the narrow, crooked
thoroughfares that radiate from this center, one meets an endless procession of
wagons loaded with ohlna olay in barrels or in huge squares. The wagons are white,
the drivers are vdiite, the horses are white, the roads are Tdilte, th* river is white,
and the long freight-trains are irtiltei Standing on a high spot you can see glistening
patches of olay for miles around; and the streams that flow through the clay fields are
milky in color, and vrtien they empty into the ocean, the blue water becomes white too
for quite a distance. Most of the ohlna in the world Is made of Cornish olay, and much
- 16 -
ootton oloth haa China clay in it. When the olay la sprinkled with violet or roee or
jaamine, it is used by women to powder their noaua.
Although the wealth of Ophir is in China olay, yet I haven’t hoard that it has
a fairy of its own. Mor has any record appeared to shonr that it haa been blessed by
the saints. It thrives wholly on its ooameroial value. As Jaoob supplanted Esau,
so clay has si:5>planted the tin and copper of Cornwall. Yet the mines haven't
been deserted by their nuggies. Inhabitants with extra aouto hearing have heard them
working on their silver anvils, and bright lights are sometimes seen dancing round the
ruins of abandoned mines. People able to interpret these signs say that the mines
will be worked again some day.
How we wished our friends could have boon with us whoa wo visited the King Arthur
oountryi You would have dug up laaterial enough. Uncle Walter, to fill the "Ziegler"
for months.
We followed the King Arthur trail pretty thoroughly. His tracks are to be found
on the north coast no one seens to have heard of him in the South. The anziiversary
of his biirthday is still celebrated by the ringing of bells under the sea, between
Bude and Bosoastlo, where Lyoneese, the submerged part of Cornwall, is supposed to be.
Polly couldn't hear the bells, but Teaoher heard them sitting in the automobile. It
didn't occur to us until we were homeward bound that it wasn't King Arthur's birthday
at all I but that fact didn't disturb Teacher the least bit. She said no doubt it was
a chime of church bells she had heard. Polly ollmbed the steps leading to Tintagel
which wore slippery and difficult. They thought it unvdlse for me to take the risk, which
is truly perilous, I lUiderstand. She said the ruins were very interesting. Ifc was
at the foot of Tintagel that Wagner laid the first scene of "Tristan and Isolde". You
know these lovers had given King Arthur a lot of trouble. I guost the first divorce
trial was held at Tintagel. The King tried to dissuade Hark from holding on to am
unwilling wife, but Hark was obstinate, and said he would have her back. Then the
King tried to persuade Tristan to give up Yseult, (that is the way the lady's name
is spoiled in Cornish) but Tristan said love was above law, and he would have his love.
- 17 -
King Arthur was forced to pronounce judgment. He tried to diwide Tseult between
the two man — his order was that she should stay with the one when the trees were
in leaf and with the other idien the trees were baure. To Uarlc as husband he gave
the first ohoioe. Mark said he would have her when the trees were bare, and to
himself he said that once he got the hussy home, the trees would ne-ver be in leaf
for Tristan. But Ysoult threw herself into the arms of her sweetheart said,
"There are three trees of constant hue.
The ivy, the holly and the yew|
They beaur leaves suamier aind winter}
TristanJ I am thine forever.”
Tristaui and Yseult set the court a bad exan^le which some were not slow to
imitate. If Tennyson's "Idylls of the King" is still fresh in yo\ir memory, you will
recall that Queen Ouinevere, or Jenefer, according to the Cornish spelling which I
think is very pretty, fell in love with Imncelot, one of the twelve Knights of the
Round Table. The King was a busy mem, you know, and would say to Lancelot, "You
look after the Queen today", and the Queen and Lancelot would ride away together to
toiimaosents or to the hunt. They both enjoyed watching the young nobles play the
game of "h\trling". This game is still played at St. Coluab and other places in the
ootmtry. The origin of "hurling" is prehistoric. Perhaps it was introduced by the
giants, vdio as I have said, liked to fling rooks at each other. The trophy is a
silver ball. It is thrown into the air, and the man catching it rims for his goal.
When he thinks the other team is likely to get it away from him, he "skies" the ball,
as they say. Another lann catches it and is off with the whole pack of players after
him. He is soon tripped up and burled beneath a living heap of players, and a
struggle ensues. TIhile the heap is scrambling to its feet — that is, those who are
alive — - a cunning chap steals away the ball and runs with it, but he doesn't get
far before someone catches him and wrestles with him.for it. This wrestling match
is called a Sorusu The Scrums continue from goal to goal until "time" is called.
When it is all over, there are broken bones, dislocated joints and scmetimes dead
18 -
bodies on tha field. The qualifloatione of a good hurlor are "ability to run like
a hare, hide like a rabbit, leap like a kangaroo and ollid} like a monkey." In
addition, he must be able to "box like a pugilist, yrrestle like a chanqpion and sky
a ball like a orioketer.
To retium to Janefer and Lanoslot. Tha queen fell deeper and deeper in love,
and Lanoelot learned to put up with her temper, as she was fair to look upon. She
grew weary of the king, and used to go into a rage whenever she heard people
praising his goodness. "IVhat oare I how good he be?" she would wail to her maids in
waiting, "by my faith. I oould do with less goodness abroad and more comfort at home."
The end of it was the usual scandal. The king's eyes were opened when he saw a bit
of paper tied to the leg of a ohough sind read its contents. A friend had slyly taken
this method of telling him what his queen was to. The king hastened home from Wsdes.
only to find the ohough hopping about the door excitedly. He noticed that the chough's
beak and legs were stained red. and that he left drops of blood wherever he stepped.
The king soon learned that his faithful bird had saved his life by slaying Murdock
In his sleep. This traitor was a friend of Lancelot's, and had plotted to kill the
good king on his ret\im. The king called the court together euid knighted the ohough.
From that day to this the ohough family have had red beaks and legs. ?Vhen king
Arthur died, his soul entered Into the body of his ohough. and whenever he visits
Tintagel. his ancient domain, he assinaes the form of a ohough. That Is why nobody in
Cornwall would kill a ohough until the incident had begun to fade from their memory
and become — a legend. But most legends have their origin in fact, if wo oould only
trace it. This legend gained credence with us when wo couldn't find any proper burial
place for King Arthur, although we searched diligently in the desolate region around
Dosmary Pool and Camolford. People looked blank when wo asked them where the king was
burled. Via explained of course that we meant King Arthur, and not King George. One
very old man said he hadn't heard of a king of that name in Cornwall in his time. At
the King Arthur Hotel, which is only a few steps from Tintagel, they knew about tha
Round Table and the Holy Grail and the King's Punch-Bowl, and they oven have a status of
- 19 -
King Arthur in armor, but they couldn’t tell ua whore he was buried.
Dozmary Pool muat be a fearaomo apot in a ten^eat. We heard that the cry of the
aea-birda during a atorm wae enough to freeze the blood in a atrong man' a Toina. But the
day we were there the atm waa warm end bright* We walked along the ailent moor to
the Pool and touched the atill water among the feme and graaaea. The larka were
ainging, and I could amell the length and breadth and the sweep of the moors* If you
could see thie lonoaome region with your own eyes. Uncle Walter, you would know why
Tennyson selected it as the ideal place for King Arthur's death, and you would aay that
King Arthur couldn't have found a better pool into which to throw hia sword Excalibre*
No other pool would hare giren the proper setting for the mysterloua apparition of
"the arm clothed in a rriiite symite" that rose ere Exoalibre sank beneath the surface
and caught it by the hilt and brandished it three times*
Authorities differ in Cornwall as elsewhere. There are those who maintain that
Dozmary Pool is bottcailesB, and others who assert that objects thrown into it are
sucked under, and re-appear at Sowey Harbor, many miles away* Still others declare
that the Pool has a bottom, and that lost souls sit on it and msdce ropes of sand. 1
for one am glad that Dozmary Pool hasn't been scientifically catalogued, it is much
more interesting in its setting of mystery* I am aatisfied that it is real water*
I threw some pebbles into it, and Polly said that they started ripples as pebbles
should in real wateri and Darkle our little Scotty, having his own doubts, put his paw
into the pool. Whan ha found it was wet, he lapped it and seemed to enjoyed it* The
cows and sheep feeding on the downs apparently saw nothing unnatural about this Pool,
They looked vqp at us with mild curiosity, as if wondering why we gaTO it such special
attention* If it is true that Tregeagle, the Faust of Cornwall, sits there baling
out the water, he must be as invisible to the animals as he was to us.
The story is that Tregeagle, an ambitious youth, sold his soul to Old Artful for
the privilege of living in palaces and enjoying all the pleasures of the world without
working for them* When his contract expired, he tried to escape the consequences of
his act, but Old Artful caught him and assigned him the task of axiq)tying the Pool with
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a liB?)et shell that has a hole in it. Whenever Tregeagle tries to run away. Old
Artful hounds drive him baok to Do.-'.mary, and the shrieks of that unhappy soul may
be heard echoing iq> and down the moor. This has given rise to the Coraish saying,
"to roar like Tregeagle" adien retribution overtakes the evil door.
You will be glad, Unole Walter, to hear that there are reliable witnesses who
soy there isn’t ns much water in the Pool as formerly, which permits of the hope that
Old Artful may be outwitted in the ooiarse of oentxiries. It is too dreadful to
believe that there is no hope at all for those who foolishly barter away their souls
for the husks of the world.
There is another pool legend which is rather interesting. It is said that when
Old Artful discovered that Wesley was isaking msmy converts, thereby weakening his
hold on the West covintry, ho took advantage of a dark stormy night and demolished
St. Peter's ohapel which stood on Chapel Hill at Polperro. When this Chapel was
reduced to ashes. Old Artfiil began to dance for joy, rotmd and round his felled
work he jigged, in his excitement he came nearer and nearer to the steepest side of
the hill where he lost his foothold — • or to be more aoc\irate his hoof-hold, and down
the sheer cliff he rolled and landed in Chapel Pool with a mighty thud idilch oould bo
heard all over the neighborhood. People who can swim under deep water have seen the
imprint of his cloven hoof on a big rook at the bottom of the pool. For the doubting
Thomases who are at a loss how to account for the concave appearances of Chapel Hill,
whioh is scooped out in a remarkable way. Old Artftil's misadventtu'a explains it most
satisfactorily. His headlong plunge down the oliff throw great masses of earth and
rook which rolled with him into the sea. I oan't imderstand why some people look for
a haid eitplanatlon of this phenomenon when there is an easy one at hand.
Plying, motoring, horseback riding, the Prince of Wales arrived at Padscowes
today. May 28th. He is paying his tenantry a throe days visit. Cornwall is His
Highness's Duchy.
Onoe upon a time there were Cornish kings, just as there wore Cornish giants
and a Cornish language. One of these Cornish kings, finding in difficult to collect
taxes, and seeing that unless ho seciured outside help, he must go under, seised the
21
trllliant idea of making Edward the Black Prince, who had diatinguiahed himaelf in
the Cruaadea, a resident of Cornwall. The heir to the Britiah thrown has been Duke
of Cornwall oTror ainoe, and the Comiah people are still psiylng him the ancient tribute,
by which hia bank aoooiuit is eonaiderably augnented each year. One and All is the
motto of Cornwall. At present Hie Highness seems to be thfl All. In the old days Corn-
wall was All — England didn’t count.
May 29th. This morning Looe was startled by the ringing of the bell. Everyone
ran to doors and windows to see what it meant. There up and down the cliff went a
man and the bell. Eveiry few steps he would stop and shout through a megaphone, "the
Prince of Wales will fly over Looe about twelve-thirty." Then the boll began again,
and the man climbed higher smd higher, shouting his news. As if by magic the cliffs
and rivers and the quay became alive with people. They didn't have long to wait. At
twelve-thirty sharp the nnnblo of the royal plane was heard close by. "There it is,"
shouted Polly in my hand. "It's hovering over the rlverl It's coming lowerl The
people are waving banners and hats and handkerchiefs and clapping their hands! 1 can
see the Prince, he is leaning over the side of the plane and waving to the people.
Now the plane is coming still lower — it is almost touching the water. How the
Prince can be seen by everybody. A more excited spell followed. "Oh, the gulls —
how they are flapping their wings and eoreamingJ The plane must have frightened them.
Oh look, look, they are rising and following the plana out to the harbor! Now it la
completely hidden from view by their wings — they are like snow — like the snow
storm! Too bad, wo haven’t a motion picture camera handy to preserve this magnificent
apeotaole. Truly, it is a wonderful sight.”
Ws had hardly stopped talking about the Prince — his graoiousnees, his pony ride
through the dark moor, his good nature and kindness — when wo heard that a now boat
was to bs launched at high tide. Just when Looe looked its prettiest, its jade water
almost as high as the stone wall, its many boats riding easily and anchored, ready to
go out to sea as soon as the new boat was in the water, there was a great stirr on the
Quay. "They are pushing it off," said Teacher excitedly. One of the men said it was
a sixteen footer, a "lug-and-miszen." "Its a beauty, Helen, painted green end white,"
- 22 -
T«aoh«r spelled, "It belongs to a yovoig fisherman, " said a man, "It Is the first
boat he has ever owned, Erery owner of a boat understands his feelings, and la
glad with him" "How the Quay is blaolc with people. There seams to be some
difficulty about getting her off, the men In the other boats are shouting direotiona.
The people couldn't be more interested If it were an ocean liner. Still she refuses
to take the water. Its si^iper time, but the people will not go home. Oh look! she
has leaped into the water! the people are shouting and clapping their hands, Erery-
one Is gazing sifter her, commenting on her good points and wishing her good luck.
There she goes gliding through the water like a swani" I wish you could have seen
her. Uncle Walter, There is nothing more thrilling, I think, than the launching of
a new boat,
June 6th. I have Just had another delightful esqperienoe. We were on our way to
Carlyon Bay Hotel where we had been invited to dinner. Ovr friends told us we would
pass an estate where there was a great herd of doer, and wo might stop, he said, to
get a glimpse of them. We got out at ozte of the gates, (The park was close to the
road.) Ho one was in sight. Wo opened it softly and entered. The deer wore lying
downi but they heard us and stood hundreds of them. Can you imagine, Ihiole
Walter — hundreds of deeri Polly could sec that their heads were turned in our
direction, but she thought they couldn't see us in the deep shade of the beeches.
But they must have scented something unusual | for they ran away into the woods. We
stood spellbound, it was a wonderful e ’/enlng full of June odors. The whole country
seemed snowed under billows of hawthorn blooms. The trees were alive with a thousand
birds. We kept very quiet, and they soon forgot our presence and burst into their
evening chorus. It was overwhelmlngj W© hold each others* hands and scarcely breathed.
We had never seen such a marvelous grove of trees — - perfect in form, each tree having
all the space required to grow in ~ and we had never heard such a bird orchestra,
Polly said she didn't know the name of half of them} but larks, blackbirds and thrushes
outnuBibored the other kinds. Surely, it was in such a grove of green that ?san
conceived the first tsnqile of worship. It didn't require a great stretch of imagaination
- 25
to subatitirto for the noble trunks of greet trees asisslve stone oolumns, end steined
glees windows soist lievo been suggested by the petohos of blue sky, rose exid gold glints
through the delloete treoory of the Ise-ves* And what is the heevsnly ohoir but ec
laitetion of the noming end evening song of birds*
Polly had seen e ouokooiil We were speeding through one of tho narrow lanes out
of Landreth wlien a ouokoo flew In froct of the oar* He had ventured out of his hiding
place for an airing, and tho oar oame upon him so suddenly that he was oonfused. He
flaw along tho hedge trying to find oover, e:qposing himself to our greedy eyes for a
few seconds, 1 didn't know the ouokoo was suoh a large bird, Polly said the spread
of his wings must have been twelve inolxes. He wae brown in oolor, and i^parestly he
oouldn't fly hi^ or he would have got away more quiekly.
One of the oountless pleasant things about rural life on this Islond is ths
friendliness of the birds and the love for thsm shown by everyone. We havo talked
more about birds here in two months than In all of our lives before, Kven the neirs^
papers give them muoli space. Their oosilngs and goings are recorded as faithfully as
the Journeys of the king and queen* The orowa, r^oke, and other largo birds oome close
to the dwellings, and alight on trees and hedges where the small ar birds have their
neste without diaturbing the wee ones in the least, ^<hen we pionlo, ths birds don't
fly away, Xhoy sit on the bushes near us, and soaotiaea alight on ths table cloth.
The thrushea, sparrows, finohes, robins, and even the Jenny wren seem to like human
food. Between twitters and ohirps and trills they eye our oakas from every point of
view, and never fail to piok up orumbs that fall conveniently within their reach.
One of the most interesting trlp<; to take is to Land's 2nd, where you see the
ooast at its roughest. You oan't look upon tho dark serpentine rocks bristling with
sharp points and menacing reefs without oonjuring shipwrecks and deeds of "dorrin-
do* for the saving of life in to&pests when men wrostle with every kind of destruction
One of the wildest looking rooks is oalled Hell's Mouth because it sucks in everything
that ventures too near it. One of the principal lighthouses is only a stone's throw
aorosa from the land's Knd Hotel, Yet the lighthouse keeper must take in provisions for
eix months beoauae in rough woatlier tit# terrific churning of the sea will shatter any
- 24 -
boat foolhardy onough to bravo it.
Penzanoe and St. Ivos are on opposite sides of the peninsula. They are both
famous in song and tale. If one knows the lang\iage of stones and monisoents. one can read
muoh history in those of St. Ives and Penxanoe. They reoord events dating back to
times before the Druids used them for n^stlo rites.
Sir Hix^hrey Davy was bom at Penzanoe. He is the patron saint of the miners and
in their prayers they ask God to reward him for placing in their caps the little lamp
that lights them to do their work in the bowels of the earth and brings them safely home.
It was a wtanan who founded St. Ives, and some of her piety is said to linger
about the town. There sure many stories and rhymes about her. Tou probably remember
the rhyme about her oat which begins ”As I was going to St. Ives." All kinds of oats
are still to be seen in the narrow streets of St. Ives, they doze in comers and door-
ways and stretoh at full length across the road, and the neighbors Bupeot strangers to
treat them with respect. Each fishensan has his oat. and each oat has his fisherman.
Hhen the boats return with their catch, all of the oats make a beeline for the quay.
Each oat knows its own boat and waits for it.
Speaking of oats, you should see the dogs of Cornwall. They say there are three
million dogs in BritainJ Half of them must live here, the villages are alive with them -
Spaniels, airedales. terriers, sheep dogs, hounds, great Danes. St. Bernards, wire
haired terriers — every kind you can think of all unmuzzled, all unleashed, free
and happy. Tou often see them on the wharfs, jsonarch of all they behold and more
beyond and athwart. I have mentioned our valiant Scotty which Polly brought back from
Scotland. He is coal black, and it is a picture to see him sitting on a cushion of
daisies, buttercups and ferns. Sometimes we can't see him for the flowers.
The Lizard Coast which was once the center of smuggling, is now the nows center of
the world. The tidings of all lands are poured out there from the ocean cables. There
is a Marconi Station which picks up the news of war and peace, success and failiure. hope
and despair. One comes upon signs admonishing people — not-to-tanq>er-wlth-the-oables.
Thus the Lizard becomes the world's tongue and ear and eye. It is interesting to note
- 26
that before the day of cables and wireless, the Llsard and other headlands on the
Cornish Coast were used as points from whioh warnings were sent out when danger of any
kind threatened* A fire was kindled on St* Michael's Mount and the watchers along
the Coast took 19 the message and flashed it through the night from headland to headland
until it reached the British Admiralty* Very little time was lost even in the old
days irtisn there was anythizig to tell*
As we are keeping very quiet in Cornwall, not wishing anyone to know we are here,
we haven't had many opportunities to visit the great estates} but we have seen three
very large ones* It is hard to believe that a single family can own so much land be«
side the villages* The entrances to the estates are almost always beautiful with
massive gates and pretty lodges, usually covered with ivy and roses* Seme of the estates
have their own ohxirohes for the tenants and schools for the children* Sometimes people
wishing to see the parks take advantage of an old custom which made the ohtiroh a
sanctuary for anyone who took shelter within its precincts* They visit the church and
afterwards drive about until they are stopped, when they pretend that they have lost
their way* A freind of ours took some visitors into the church on a certain estate
recently* They begged him to drive them to a gate on the opposite side of the park*
On the way they met the squire and hie lady who were strolling on their domain* "What
are you doing here?" the squire asked, "Do you know you sure trespassing?" Mr* —
replied that he had taken some friends to see the church, and got lost* "Since you
are lost," said the squire, "I will take you to the nearest exit*"
We were more fortunate. Wo received an invitation from the kind mistress of
Morval to visit her gardens and have tea. How beautiful the grounds weroJ The rhodod-
endrons were in bloom and, Dnole Walter, there were trees two hundred years oldl They
arch a long, delightful walk, their tx^unks ten and twelve inches in circumference*
Much to my surprise I found magnolia-trees as large as those whioh grow in Alabama
and a splendid specimen of ihe siimosa* There were also palms and Japonioa-trees as
magnificent as those in the gardens of Louisiana*
Part of the mansion dates back to the Fourteenth Centxury* The part where the
26 -
family liT«8 is Elisabethan, very stately »rlth wide halls* lofty stone arohes, huge
fire-plaoes with beautifully oarved mantelpieces, very large windows with diamond-
shaped panes and sills deep enough to sleep on. The massive oak stair-case is hand-
somely panelled. I couldn't span the posts with my two arms. We went up to the
tower idiere the bedrooms had double oak doors. In a stone alcove our hostess showed
us i^ere a family of swallows had built their nest for many years. She takes much
interest in the upbringing of the fledglings and listens with loving pleasure to their
first twittering notes. The ballroom is lovely. We had tea in the library, the walls
of iriiioh are covered with portraits of the family painted by old masters. In that
great house live three persons, two sisters and a brother. The faaiily is one of the
oldest in Cornwall.
In Cornwall it is quite the thing to train fruit trees to grow against the wall
after the manner of vines. I wonder if the Romans introduced that method. I remeniber
that Horace speaks of "the peaches ripening on a sun-warmed wall.” I saw pears, plums,
apricots, quinces, and of course, grapes growing on the garden wall* I saw apple-trees
which looked as if they wore the first trees planted after the flood. They were about
my height, they had bean grown to look like stags with branching antlers. Very
fantastic I can tell you. I could easily reach every apple. They say that trees kept
low bear best and last longest, as their energy is conserved. In one place I saw a
wall ten feet high cosq>letely covered with geraniums* Teacher said it looked like a
scarlet velvet portiere*
At the entrance to Uorval driveway, there is a reedy pond where ducks and swans
breed. We noticed one swan sitting on her nest. She watched us suspiciously, and when
we came too near, she ruffled tip her lovely white neck feathers until she looked,
Teaoher said, like Queen Elisabeth* How she has six swanlings* It is a pretty sight
to see the parent birds with the little ones between them teaching them to float.
We are so enthralled with the attractions of Cornwall, we seldom go o\rt of lt|
but occasionally we do drive to Plymouth and Dartmoor vdiich are in Devon. Dartmoor
gives me a strange feeling of illimitableness and solitude. This isqpression is in-
- 27 -
tanaifiad -when w« pass near the prison settlement a group of grey stone
buildings surro\mded by a masalTO granite wall*
One day Polly and 1 got out of the oar to walk aoross the downs* The sun
was shining irtien we started, but when we had gone twenty steps, it began to rain*
The wind howled and nearly shuffled us off ovir feet* Polly thought I sho\ild be blown
down and perhaps traiq>led \;qpon by the wild ponies that were racing up and down the
heather-ooTored hillocks* I knew Polly was alarmed by the way she olutohed lay am and
held on to me* These ponies oan be bought for fifty or seventy-fiTe cents* I wish
I could bring one home to play with Helga* The little oolts are -very pretty and
gentle* They gandiol with the blaok>faoed lambs* Neither of them fear man, and they
come -to the edge of the downs and gase curiously at the automobiles as they whle by*
Roman walls are still s-tanding in almost perfect preserration on some parts of
Dartmoor* Nhat in the world were these walls built forT Do you suppose. Uncle Walter,
the Romans sent their legions to keep other people from carrying off the Cornish tlnT
Certainly, they were trying to keep something for themsel-ves* Walls always mean that*
Our -visit to Cornwall -was pro-videntlally at the right time* In the first place,
-we ha-ve had it all to oursel-ves* There may be a few -visitors at the Bodrigan week-
ends and holidsys) btsb we ha-ve escaped the crowds of summer tourists who swam into
the west country in July and August*
Besides, Cornwall looks its prettiest in the spring* Ccmiing as we did the middle
of April, we ha-ve watched the OTirved hills growing greener e-very minute and the
procession of flowers passing along the lanes — the -violets and prii^oses, the cows-
lips, daisies and bu-ttero\;^s, the gorse, the ohes-tnut tress lighting their myriad
candles, the fall of the hawthorn petals, the broom and wisteria draping the hedges
with purple and gold, the coming of the wild roses, foxglo-ves and blue-flags, the
wild hyaolnths -wea-ving tapestries of blue in the woods* We ha-ve smelt the -vital sap
coursing through tree and bush, we ha-ve listened to the gossip of birds* Tee, every
io^ression is moot -vi-vld, in the springtimej for Cfod walks nearest earth then* When
I leave Cornwall, I shall take her darling ri-vers away with me, Loos, Fal, Camel, Fowey,
- 38 -
and In njr thoughte th®y shall e-ver flow past onohantlng -vUlages* ruined oastles, little
Inns and ohurolies and fishing-boats gliding up and down In sunshine and starlight*
I hope I haven't bored you, Unole Walter* That's the unpardonable sin in a
letter, they say* I know it's far too long, but that fault you will forgive. I have
tried to give you soma idea of Corawall and our delight in it* Parts I have hsid to
write over sdien the ribbon got holes in it* No doubt I have repeated myself, and
Bometi -es lost the thread of my discourse* Very likely I have confused the scent
of the rose and the song of the nightingale* I have been writing it for a month —
between walks, drives and picnics, at different times and in different moments, on
different typewriters and paper! But I send the letter as it is, knowing you will
bo charitable, and overlook the faults incident to an eager outpouring of holiday
experiences* Anyway, I warned you at the beginning, xdiich lets me sleep on an
easy pillow*
We three send you our love, and hope all is well with you, and that you are
enjoying "No Caro and your flowers* "
Yours affectionately.
Helen Keller
The Miracle-worker
Notes and Corrections. B
Page 1. The educated Southerners I knew were careful of their English,
and the Doctor was one of them. Hj would not say "She'll live" but "She -will
live. You are lucky. I tell you now, I thought she would not."
" Tom" No one would think of addressing the old, dignified Dr. as Tom.
Everybody called him Doctor or Sir. He would also say,rn " She has the consti-
tution of a goat, and will outlive us all" etc
father never said "rig" but "buggy" or wagon."
The Doctor would say, "The main thing is, the fever is gone. I've never seen
a baby with more vitality, that is the truth." The trouble is that too many
words are elided, v.'hich gives an impression of careless speaking.
Somewhere on page 2 Helen is said to be seven instead of six and half years old.
About the miodle of page three, hx aiint's name was §velyn, not Cora.
I-ty mother never addressed father as Arthur, but always as Captain
About the end of page 3. James, in spite of his bad manners, would never
call my father "Arthur. Nor would he call my mother Kate
The same page, I think. Aunt Ev would say, "What does the child want? "
Somewhere about page five. Teacher's hair was not "short" or "Towsled."
It was long, and well brushed and neatly arranged in the old-fashioned manner
of that day.
2
Axx About the end of pege 5 occur the words, "There is a certain crudeness ,
an unladylike vitality to her." A n vinconventional vitality is the exx accurate
expre sion.
As to her "second generation of an Echo" of a brogue, I have always been
told that she had a pleasant, natural speaking voice.
I guess the first part of page 6. There occur the words, "In this box, a
gift. From Mrs. Anagnos and me, with our love." The fact is, Mrs. Anagnos
was dead.
About page 7. Teacher had no suit-case, but a bag that vras called a grip.
On what I guess is the first of page 8 A nnie says to James, "I had a
brother, Jimmie." Annie as I knew her would never refer to the deepest sorrow
of her life to strangers.
■‘•'hrough page 10 I would suggest that teacher's account of the bag be used
where she says, Helen "felt my face and dress and i^y bag, which she out oi' my hand
and triad to open. . It did not open easily, and the felt carefully to see df
there was a keyhole, etc, etc" The bug was light, and besides, the doll was
in the trunk. Thousands of children have ?ead this story.
Teacher's retort on Page eleven is very good, just like her, "Monks under a
vow — of silence, which I wish you would take — 2
o£,
but I object to James stupid joke and also to A nie's angry words, "Oj, get out
of here you 2"" because she never talked like that, ■^he 'was often terri-
bly provoked, but she .as as particular about her English as a treasure.
On page 13 T object to Teacher's use of "honest." She would say, "Captain
3
Ke’lar, really and truly I am capable of going dov,Ti a laader myself."
About the end of page 14 Te cher says, "I know a spoiled brat's tantrum when
I see one! She would never talk like that to my mother. Those words had
better be left out There is still too much elision of words.
About page twenty. There occur the words, " She grins." Teacher never
grinned, no matter what audacious step she might take, she wore a sad but
defiant smile.
Some lines further are the words, "I don't want her for Keeps." Teacher
did not use that expression. She would have said, "I don't want her to k=;ep,
but to discipline her."
The end of page twenty or the beginning of page twenty-one. Teacher would
not say, "Vhat's that mean," but "\'/hat does that mean?"
About the end of page twenty-four. Teacher would not sa y "Pinky dovm,"
but thumb down.
On what I guers is page t enty-five. "Annie at the desk. A thick dictionary
open before her." I remember the dictionary, which was nuite small, and which
Teacher said was red.
About the end of page twenty-five. Teacher would not say " She's le med,"
but "She has learned two nouns since yesterday."
I fccn proud to '.•.'elcor’s you who have ^athsc-ed here today to seek
out more effective ways of preparing the blind to becoTie active
and respected rnembers of normal society, 'fie must untangle our-
selves from the conflicts and problems inherited from the past.
Blind and seeing alike, we must be welded into one united
community and all over the world we must v/ork together to build
the new civilization which v'e have glimpsed from time to time
in radiant flashes.
'■Voman ' s chief task is to bring p'lace l3tto the world into which
her children must be born. This is nan's chief task as w'ell--
the chief task of us all, whover vie are and wherever vre are.
HELEN KELLER'S SPEECH FOR TELEVISION
(as prepared by the AFB
froraH.K's. own material)
How proud I am to welcome all of you who have assembled here today. '"With
humility and joy I commend the high spirit of resolve and dedication that
l.«
has brought you from the far reaches of this great land and the distant
corners of the earth to prepare yourselves for lives of service to your
fellows who must live widiout sight, I know how eagerly you will join
together in exchanging ideas and viewpoints at this Seminar to determine
the most effective means of assisting the blind to achieve their richest
capacity as active ar d respected members of normal society. How appropriate
it is, therefore, that through the medium of television your high piirpose
can be made known>^to those among whom the blind will live throughout
America,
Just as the blind and seeing must be welded into one united community, so
must all the nations of the world strive to combine their efforts for the
good of all mankind. The peoples of the earth are still much entangled
in the conflicts and problems they have inherited from the past. But they
have longings, ideas and glimpses of the slowly rising sun of brotherhood.
When this spirit once shines forth in all its radiance, we shall behold in-
deed a convenant among the nations, a system based on voluntary association
and not force, a light unto the blind. Then shall man be brought by a way
he knew not, free himself from ignorance and share the wonders of that new
and glorious civilization.
HELEN KELLER'S TELEVISION REMARKS
Warmly I welcome you all who are assembled here today.
I commend the spirit in which you have come from America and other lands
to this seminar to determine the best means of educating the blind. It
is fitting that television should be the medium to communicate your high
purpose.
Just as the blind and the seeing shoiild act as a united
community, all nations must strive to use their efforts for the good of
mankind. When that spirit shines forth in all its radiance, man will
free himself from ignorance and share the wonders of that new civilization.
GARRCWAY;
Will you please ask Helen what she thinks is the most imoortant
thing in the life of a woman today?
POLLY THOMSON:
Yes, I will;
(The following written by Helen Keller, may be her reply)
Since woman is the creator of the human race her chief task should
be to bring peace to the world into which her children must be born
too often she is educated for war, not peace.
Canada
V'? *»' '1
salute
There is a glow of happiness in iny soul as I *nya/a»i> you. ’.-.ith
A.
deep emotion I remember my former visits to Canada with my teacher
Anne Sullivan Kacy and with Folly Thomson and how moved I was by
the affectionate good-will with which we were welcomed on each
occasion. Now I am thrilled by the new buildings of the Canadian
National Institute for the Blind and the Library and the splendid
advance they represent.
This morning I was honored to Join the home teachers of Canada at
their annual Conference. My admiration of home teachers has always
been profound. Patiently they travel from place to place bringing
comfort and chheri turning doubts into constructive faith, typifying
the spirit of cooperation which is essential to the maintenance of
services for the blind. In all the efforts on behalf of Canada's
sightless I find men and women, blind and seeing, working together ta
equal partners in a great humanitarian enterprise, I heartily commend
you for the example you are giving to those who seek to aid the
blind throughout the world.
Yes, Canada's program for the blind, so full of ideas and daring,
gladdens me as a symbol of high resolve. Valiantly you have pioneered
to gain public acknowledgement of the right of the handicapped
person to assume an honored role in the community and you are still
using every method to increase the understanding of your problems
as you initiate programs and push forward vocations! and social
adjustment. Through the dedication of your labors and the ingenuity
of your thoughts and actions you are hastening the glorious day
when every handicapped person shall find a luminous place in
society .
Conada
M K
5
Tew. S i d*x-d-iLpf-o
Truly I am proud that you have Invited me to this Conference.
It Is always a privilege to be with people who dedicate themselves’
to the welfare of others, and I have a special tenderness for you,
Canadian Home Teachers. There Is something about your zest and
enthusiasm which refreshes my soul. How alive you are to the social
rights and the economic possibilities of the blind*. Joyously I
note that your hearts and minds will now t- rn to the dwellers In
the silent night, to the vital program of training and assistance
for these my deaf-blind colleagues across the length and breadth of
your great Dominion,
Soon your attention will be drawn to another group — the aging
blind. As you know, many of their, still have the minds, desires, and
ambitions of adult years, and one of your tasks will be tp find
ways to meet their need of economic support, health, maintenance
and rehabilitation through special training that will mean long range
planning to help them through sheltered workshops and Industrial
home work.
Then, too, many so-called "blind," even among the aging, ere
just people who suffer from eye trouble that can be cured or
ameliorated. You will see that everything possible Is done for them
In medical care.
Bravely you are facing the daily problems that form part of
the glorious profession to which you have been called and In your
fine accompllafcents home teaching Is rising to Its full glory
and serving as an example to all who seek to aid the handicapped.
Jo Davioson
6. RUE LECONTE-DE-LISUE
PARIS XVI'-TEL.AUTEUIL 55-26
June 23, 1950-
yella dear,.
YOU have been constantly in my thou^'hts -- and
Polly's too -- since we sailed for i^rance last yarch,
and your letters have gladdened us with "airs from home."
3ut you know how difficult it is to write amid the de-
lights of travel and the fascination of places one visits
in the old world. The impressions which have flooded
my mind the past months will require time for me to col-
lect and put into definite form. i must content myself
with telling you of the happenings that have crowded
upon us since v/e came to paris.
we have had a wonder- filled visit with jo and Flo-
rence v/ho know and love prance a,s their second home.
Through their interest and solicitude to show us the
best, I have ^alned a new idea not only of the intellec-
tual life, romance and beauty of Paris, but also a real
warmth in my heart for the people. jo has taken us to
delectable cafes associated with his and Florence's stu-
dent days. He has introduced me to the open-air markets,
the parks and little circuses in almost every section of
Paris where the children play. He has put my hand on old
buildings with narrow windov/- panes and the eight rows of
Jo Davidson
e,HUe LECONTE-DE-LISLE
PARIS XVI *_ TEL! AUTEUI L 55-26
horsechestnut-trees along the ohamps-Elysees. one day
we lunched at the Eiffel Tower, v;here we had an over-
powering view of the city, the =;eine and the suburbs.
Also we have been to the superb forest of Fontainebleau
and Ft. oermain, where all sorts and conditions of men
and v/omen, children and dogs make holiday In a truly de-
mocratic spirit. YOU see what beautiful hospitality jo
and Florence shower upon us, and hov/ they are always
planning for our pleasure.
Beside t_.olng places, they have given teas and recep
tlons where we met many distinguished people, among them
V, Avellne, a novelist who was once secretary to Anatole
vrance. Mademoiselle Bengson, daughter of the great
philosopher, who Is deaf herself, and reads the lips won
derfully, the vrench Minister of education with whom i
discussed hov/ much Is still to be done for the blind of
this country, and other members of the government, one
morning we visited the UNESCO, where a committee on the
blind was hard at v/ork trying to unify the divergent
Braille systems for the sightless -- a task In which i
am happy to say they have succeeded admirably. I re-
Jo Davidson
0. RUe LECONTE DE'LISLE
PARIS XVI'_ TELi AUTEUtL 55-2S
ceived from the committee, including ceorges ’^averat and
John Jarvis of the National institute for the Blind, the
warmest welcome. All these experiences were exciting and
thrilling, but polly and i were glad of several days' respite
at Becheron, and i shall always bless our stay in Italy as
a godsend.
pa pesozza, portofino, was a veritable nest of frag-
rances where polly and i could sleep, eat and walk daily.
c!he used to look and look at the surrounding mountains and
the Mediterranean with its many charming shades of blue.
The contessa was there only a few days, and we were grate-
ful for the utter peace that enfolded us most of the time,
we had never had such a difficult task to calm our nagging
sense of things to be done right away and to get our nerves
under control.
It was a Joy for us to receive jo and Florence at
portofino. They spent one night there, and we were off
bright and early on a motor trip to plorance, Mio ^-lovei’-
ing w
i
„0ver
were tvjo woMen
•aore
roj
P.3.
te t'
vvi : oily
aril I
to
have sail
1 iuiu;-mal tra/th.
ling ^
apH
ui
.) in.
how ^
O O;
nrlcUod
1. th ’’lio olociueu.i
e a id
i\:
i.'iy
ilaj
in for.:.:
tioi-i
ton ;;^-i,iipr
i y un
*1. T
r , ^
ill
ii.n
hin: ory
Jo Davidson
8, RUE LEGO NTE- DE * LI S LE
PARIS XVI ? _ T£L; AUTEU I L SS-26
'Gaetano '^alvemini, who is now teaching in his old uni-
versity, secured permission and arranged for me to touch
some of : ichelangelo ' s and ponatello ' s masterpieces, plat-
forms and ladders were put up, so that i could reach the
titanic figures. we were alone, as the doors were closed
to visitors. 1 cannot describe the enraptured moments i
spent looking at ijonatello’s adorable little -<t. John with
open mouth, in whose harmonious features the Joy of the
master in the rhythm of creation is evident, and his -pavid,
charming but not convincing. a. was also enthralled by
’ ichelangelo ' s "pay''' shedding light and renewal upon the
fields and cities of earth, but hiding the stars and life's
most profound mysteries. -- wight,'- which i fancied as
removing the veil "while crea.tion v/idened in man's view." --
fnhe "'jrutus" wrestling mightily against a destiny he could
not conquer. -- phe radonna upon whose face sorrow has set
its irrevocable seal, the phrlst-child glowing, though per-
haps unconsciously, with the daring prophecy of a humanity
to be reborn.
Of course j could guess only dimly from what my fingers
saw the past splendors of Florence's art, but its achieve-
ments, shining out of the barbarism and tragedy of the
Jo Davidson
e. RUE LECO NT6- DE - LI S LE
PARIS XV I TEL; AUTEUI L 55-2®
ylddle Ages* strengthened my faith in the final triumph
of civilization. 'ye visited a few of the old palaces and
churches, and it v/as a delight to see the others filling
their eyes and hearts v/ith the magnificence of architec-
ture and paintings which i could not see. Actually i grew
weary passing my hand over the limitless variety of beau-
tiful carvings and designs on wall, pillar and tomb.
There was a peculiar flavor for me in the narrow
streets, where we stood up against the buildings to let the
crowded traffic pass, and the ponte vecchio from which pante
must have gazed often upon the Arno as the "pivina comme-
dia" unfolded itself in his mind, put i was even more
fascinated when we went up to viesole, and polly described
Florence to me from that high point, jo pointed out the
amazing resemblance of the city to a huge vase of flowers
vihich I had Just read about in Anatole France's writings,
we spent an hour at the handsome institute for the Blind
in Florence — one of the massive, costly monuments which
puesolini left -- and now they cannot maintain it on account
of the terrific expense. v,'e v;ent by train through the moun-
tains to Bologna, v/here pr. posseti, a friend of the pobert
Pfeiffers, had betiged me to visit the blind students who
take a university course on a footing of equality with the
Jo Davidson
a. RUE LECONTE-OE-LISLE
PARIS XVI«_ TEL; AUTEU (L 55-26
seeing. It was truly inspiring to learn what Italy has accom-
plished for its blind in higher education.
Since we first met jo, we had not been so impressed by his
brilliant talk as we were on that trip. it was a mine of Joy-
ous humor, wise thoughts, colorful anecdotes from his own life,
animated word- sketches of art and artists ancient and modern,
and v/itty comments on literature. The ’’sraille Bibliotheque”
in Paris had lent me books such as Anatole trance's ”L'lle des
pingouins,” ”La Revolte des Anges” and Voltaire's **candide,"
and how i enjoyed discussing with jo those penetrating sa-
tires upon the Roman catholic church, protestant theology, le-
gal and social codes and nearly every other phase of what we
call civilization, as he talked, agreeing or disagreeing,
urging upon me more leniency in my judgments of capitalism,
answering our questions about the vicissitudes and the unex-
plored possibilities of art, his whole soul flew to his tongue,
was attentive as he listened, and sparkled in his eye.
prom Florence we motored through cenoa and the French
Riviera, when we arrived at the corniche Drive on the Medi-
terranean coast, I kept getting out of the car to feel the fan-
tastic shapes of the great ja,„ged red and golden crags and
pick the exquisite wild- flowers by the way- side. v;e stopped
one night at ^t. Paul, a pleasant walled old town in a region
Jo Davidson
6. RUE LECO NTE DE - LI S LE
PARIS XVI* _ TEL: AUTeU I L 55*26
that had for a thousand years not known the yoke of a
grand seigneur. The little hotel on the mountain- top,
where Florence used to stay years ago, was intoxicating
with its roses, lilies and carnations, as we ate our
lunch in the court-yard, a flock of white fantails flew
back and forth overhead, and came close every time we
fed them with bread. Next, we visited Avignon, walled,
with narrow streets and full of ancient trees, dominated
by the cathedral that had been the scene of such rivalry
between French and Italian popes. And there was orange,
Provence, founded as a Roman colony by Julius jaesar.
V;e inspected the ruins of the vast amphitheatre and climbed
the many curving steps on which the people had sat wit-
nessing Greek plays. Really, Nella, jaesar's "commentaria
de Gallia" came back to me vividly after lying dormant in
my memory during fifty years, nazing upon those aimazing-
ly well preserved ruins, jo said, "mow i understand why
vascism has such a hold on the imagination of many people.
They believe that there must be lasting good in power which
produces such marvellous works as these. " we drove
through lovely provence odorous with broom and honeysuckle,
where the troubadours had woven their magical songs, and
on through Lyons and Fontainebleau back to parts, June Ath.
NOW we are back at lecheron again, inhaling deep
Jo Davidson
e,RUE LECONTE'DE-LISLE
PARIS XV I ■_ TEL: AUTEUI L 5S-26
draughts of its beauty and seclusion. it is an old manoir,
parts of which date back to the rei-ns of Louis XI and Fran-
cis I. originally it was assigned to the illegitimate
children of the French kinoS, and each succeeding generation
has added to the structure. The house has been modernized
Just enough for comfort, but it is romantic for me to feel
the old stone walls and floors and wide fireplaces, as i
write in this stone corridor, scents of honeysuckle, roses
and boxwood drift in through the open French windows from a
garden delightful with the shade of many ancient trees of
noble height and girth. aH round the place are lovable
fields full of hay and ripening grain which come right up
to the wall, and where polly and i v/alk ever so often.
Beyond them flows the placid indre River. Crossing a rustic
bridge, we find ourselves on what jo calls his island -- a
darling spot where the trees and vines are thick, and mosses
cover the ground. There G-lno, the faithful assistant in the
studio who protected pecheron against invasions by the Ger-
mans through the viar years, and jo fish for hours.
HOW I wish you, Nella, could be here.' polly and i have
read part of the manuscript of jo's autobiography, and i ear-
nestly hope that it will receive the hearty welcome it de-
serves. comparisons are usually of doubtful value, but.
Jo Davidson
6>RUe LEGO N TE- DE- LI S LE
PARIS XVI?_TELiAUTELML 55*2©
having known Teacher, i feel a spiritual kinship with jo
after reading his story, told in a simple, vigorous style.
It portrays his stru gle against Impecunious circumstances
and scant schooling, his adventures comical and pathetic
hunting jobs, how he did not adopt sculpture, but rather it
adopted him, his heartbreaking experiences before he was
recognized, the years of fruitful work and the world figures
from almost every land who sat for him, the changes and cruel
disappointments that have pursued him to this very day.
The patronage which the rich and the powerful lavished upon
him has been checked for the time being by that wicked, stu-
pid witch-hunt in America, of course, Nella, i know from
experience that life is inexorable, and one must pay the
price for sincerity and plain speech in the face of reac-
tionary forces, but that does not lessen the indle.nant sorrow
which burns in me as i watch the thunder and lightning of
bigoted prejudice passing over the head of a man who has
such a great nature, a heart so overflowing with discerning
sympathy towards his fellow-creatures, '^ut reverses never
break jo's marvellous spirit any more than they did Teacher's.
AS for Florence, the longer we know her, the deeper grows
our affection. nhe is as noble a woman as ever shared the
MANOIR DE BECHERON
s A c H e
( I n d ro • a - Lo i ro )
lot of a man of genius.
por the past two weeks polly and i have posed every
day for Jo as he paints our portrait in a studio outside
the house with lavender grov^ing at the entrance, v'henever
we stop to rest, we rln out to the biggest cherry-tree i
ever saw, and devour its luscious fruit, it is adorable
how jo's dog whiskey -- a pouvier as large as a pony --
stalks through the studio to see that all is well, occa-
sionally he puts his shaggy head on my knee threatening my
pose. Folly is much pleased v/ith the picture, and i hope
we may meet jo's flattering expectations.
we are sad at the thoueht of leaving this dear old
"pans souci" next v/eek, but we have a few matters to attend
to in Paris before sailing home, as soon as you can visit
us, how we shall talk and talk.'
With our united love to peith and yourself, and with
v/armest greetings from jo and Florence, i am,
Affectionately your friend
V
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
Dearest Nella:
It was wonderful of you to come all the way
from Foss Mountain and stay with Polly and me dur-
ing the first hard days of our bereavement. V/hat a
consolation it would be to Herbert — and I am
sure it is — to Imow that such a true and real
friend caught our hands in hers just after he had
-.eft us I
I had just got over my stunned feeling, sitting
in Herbert's room, and experienced the worst wrench
at my heart when you arrived. Not that he seemed
dead, but his very closeness to me made it all the
more painful that I could not touch his living hand
or feel the sustaining strength with which he had
served first Teacher then Polly and me during
seventeen years. As Cameron Clark said, he was a
member of the triumvirate at Arcan Ridge, and his
going has created a vacancy that will never be
filled. Yes, he gave us the best part of his life —
his dearness to Teacher as a son, his lovable per-
sonality, the artist that was in him, the unceasing
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
care and thoughtfulness -witli which he watched over
our home. How many things he did crowd upon rt^r
memory', his helping us to move from Forest Hills
and driving us around and taking care of our five
dogs, his devoted efforts to ease the difficult
days we spent in winter-time at Harry Lamb's cottage,
the s.cill with which he assisted us to reorganize our
life at Arcan Ridge, and was ready to do it again
when tile house was rebuilt. There is not a spot in
our grounds that does not warm us with grateful
affection for Herbert — the Communion iValk he
built for me, the trees and roses he so faithfully
tended, the vegetable garden and the lawn into which
he put an energy that alas', was too much for his poor
body. Through our remembrance glow his bright smile,
his odd whimsies and incorrigible sense of fun that
lightened many a heavy hour for us. Polly and I are
still like a ship without a rudder, but I love to
think of Herbert' s find^^eacher and carrying to her
a triumphant record of us and the faith that moves us
to new accomplishment.
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Your account of how the children received the
news of our memorial to Herbert touched us deeply.
You could not have given us a svfeeter comfort than
to link his memory with their joyous playtime.
Won't you let us send another bit of money and all
our loving thoughts for the memorial?
The meeting of the Committee on the Deaf-Blind
at Arcan Ridge came off splendidly. We missed
Herbert of course inexpressibly, but Tama prepared
a fine buffet luncheon, and Mary Stuart was at the
household helm all day. My little talk which you
approved was read aloud, and they assured me that
Miss Dinsmore, the new Director, would give a fresh
impetus to the work. The friendly warmth with which
the deliberations proceeded brought me a feeling
that the day would be hastened when the deaf-blind
win their rights and privileges as human beings.
Now I am writing notes to dear Katharine Cornell
and others before Polly and I leave for Chicago Sunday.
V/ith our love to Keith and your sweet self, I am
Devotedly your friend,
iVestport, Conn.
September JO, 1950
3'c3Lm..
Nella dear:
Chriatmaa haa alwaya had a apecially eweet meaning for
Polly and me in itaelf and the remembrance of frienda, but
we were touched in a particular way when we opened the gift
which aymbolizes your loving thought of us.
The table linen set is a delight to my touch, and Polly
loves its exquisite blue. Whenever we use it, I shall enjoy
touching its delicate texture and feeling in it your dearness
and artistic sensibility. Thanks ever so much.
Christmas nas not seemed the same to us without Herbert
and his genuine joy in the festivities, but our memories of
him are an imperishable consolabion. And the weekend Polly
and I spent at Katharine Cornell's refuge, Sneeden' s Landing,
was marvellousl She was in Cleveland giving her play, which
I am happy to say the audience keenly appreciated, and Nancy
was with her, but Gertrude Macy and the husband of Brenda
Forbes met us with his car and drove us out to Sneeden' s Land-
ing. There was a blue-gray mist upon the Hudson. The havoc
wrought among the trees in that section by the storm and
whirlwind of several weeks ago was fearful, and we realized
the length of time it would require to replace them. But it
was a pleasure to see the evergreens around Katnarine's pic-
turesque old Dutch house. We were left alone, except for the ser-
vants, until Christmas Eve. The rest we had Saturday night was
perfect after the rush of Ghristmasing. And 0, the delicious
hours we loafed in tiie snug warmth of an immense firelit hearthl
Over in a corner was a big, adorable tree waiting to be lighted,
and an air of mystery breathed from parcels and boxes of all sorts
scattered around it. Lovely old Chinese candelabra on the walls
caught the ruddy glow from the fire, and an indescribable cosiness
enveloped us. Such was the scene Sunday afternoon when Loonie,
the wee dachshund, gave a joyous bound, and in another moment
Katha^il^e, Guthrie and Nancy entered. The radiance of Katharine
banished all shadows from our spirits, and we babbled over with
jolly fellowship. Soon afterv/ards I drove off with Katharine
and Nancy to an interesting antique shop where I touched unusual
treasures gatnered from colonial -houses — a statue of Cervantes
with a friendly, humorous face, twisted mustache and a book in
his hand, lovely French clocks, each a jewel, cut glass that
suggested flowers in its exquisiteness, a creche and astonishing
copper coffee kettles. The keeper of the shop kindly put into
my hand as a Christmas gift a darling doll with which I had fallen
in love. On getting back, I found that Polly and Guthrie had had
a fascirmi-ting talk about the geography and history of New York
as it was tv/o centuries ago. By the way, Washington's head-
quarters were at Sneeden' s Landing, and there, too. Major Andre's
trial took place. Katnarine, weary though she was, took us all
out to a heavenly spot overlooking the Hudson where she and
Guthrie are having a delightful house built with a circular
stairway, prodigious windows, terraces, a library and retreats
where they can do their work undisturbed. It is still far from
finished, what I saw gave me a vivid sense of the peace, the sun-
light and the satisfaction of accomplishment that will inundate
the house, and tliat vision was a precious part of my Christmas.
You, Nella, would have loved to see Katharine in her hand-
some plaid robes. After dinner we all attended the midnight
service a^ a pleasant church which has retained its old-time
village simplicity. The choir sang beautifully, and it was
touching to hear children's voices as they lilted the Christmas
carols. The sermon was on peace, short and simple but fragrant
with Heaven' s nearness. Spiritually refreshed, we returned to
our merry-making at the fireside. Among the guests were Brenda
and Jilarshall, Ann Gugler, the wife of the architect, and Constance
Campbell — the friend connected with Ishbel Ross's "journey Into
the Light." He sat up until the "wee sma' hours" while presents
were opened, happy comments made and sandwiches nibbled. Would
that I might convey to you a picture of that hospitable gatliering,
the great fire, the lighted tree, the colorful display of gifts,
tissue paper and ribbons, with dear Katharine's personality shedding
grace and cheer over all. Polly and I felt privileged indeed to
share in her home Christmas.
Monday we had dinner with the Grummone. We were rather
subdued thinking of Herbert' s absence and under the shadow of the
1
present world situation, but Stuart and Sandra were goodness
itself to us, and tneir children's bright faces did us good.
There v;ere some tame chickadees outside that kept tapping the
window with their bills impatient for food. After we had
eaten, we went out on the terrace, where I stood v/ith grain be-
tween my fingers, waiting until I felt the grip of tiny claws.
Then a diminutive beak seized the morsel, and I sensed the whir?
of wings as the bird flew off to enjoy its treasure trove. That
was one of tlie countless shy sensations that spill delight
through my silent darkness.
Yes, I sinall be glad to sign the photograph for the
children in Snowville. It is sweet to know that they realize
the meaning of tneir and our memorial to Herbert.
Until we see you January and tlmnking you again
for your darling gift, I am, with Polly's love
Affectionately your friend,
!
L t- n i t / -
V/estport, Conn.
January 1, 1951
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6. Rue Leconte-de-Lisle
Par IS, 16'
AuT. 55-2S
July 2, 1952.
Dearest Nella,
Here I am at last sending you a letter Just
for the pleasure of writing it.
Until now, as you so well understand, I have
been obliged to rest after the despotism of my
work — it is a blessed privilege to me, but it
has exacted every bit of energy I could pit into
it, and "dity letters" have been all I could ma-
nage.
Polly and I returned last Monday with Florence
from Becheron whore I spent a happy, peaceful birth-
day, and where for days I enjoyed to the full the
"dolce far niente." The only thing lacking to
make complete my visit to Becheron was the joy of
having you with us . I did want you to share with
us the utter loveliness of dear Jo's "Sans Souci"
which we were perhaps seeing for the last time.
Poor Florence, I fear that it will be too great a
burden for her to keep Becheron with all the respon-
6 Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris, 16*
AuT. 55-26
sibllltles and expenses it entails. We will tell
you all about it when wo see you,
V/hon everything at Bocheron blooms, shines and
sings, it is a bit of Heaven on earth. It was won-
derful just to sit in the courtyard during the day
and let the motions of the air play on my face.
The lavender hedge beside the door of Jo’s studio
svrung on every breeze, discharging its odor mingled
with the sage and thyme, Roses and honeysuckles
everywhere poured out their souls in cascades of de-
light, Day-lilies, pungent marigolds, arbor vitae
and scented leaves on some of the shrubs gave a pe-
culiar quality to the soft sighing of the wind, I
understood then what Hudson meant when he described
his passivity as he sat hour after hour with his
power of collected, purposeful thinking suspended.
Instinctively he was waiting for new life to be
poured into him. He believed, and so do I, that
this is one of the static goods of the mind which we
must cultivate sometimes in order to lessen the
strain and nervous irritation of mental effort.
6. Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris, 16'
A UT . 55*2 6
Now, after giving you a picture of one of my
blessed states, I will speak of the emotional "e-
blouissement, " as Victor Hugo would say, that I had
at the Sorbonne, It was thrilling to have
Polly describe the venerable college, the audience
crowding the hall of learning to the rafters, the
powerful Kleig lights and the blind near* us who
were on the programme, Pierre Henri and several
others paid tributes full of spirit and warmth to
Louis Braille, Between the speeches blind music-
ians played exquisitely on the piano and the violin.
You can imagine my Joy when M, Henri and several
other distinguished blind persons had the decoration
of the Legion d'Honneur pinned on their coats.
After my little talk, which the audience received
with affectionate fervor, I was decorated too, and
oh the applause, Nellai It did not seem possible
that that tremendous volume of vibration had burst
forth Just for me, causing the rafters to ring again
6 Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris, 16'
AUT. 55-2S
It was, and still is like a dream. Such a magni>fi
OBnt compliment awes me, but sunce it has been so
willed, I hope that I can deserve it a little by
finding new ways to serve the handicapped before I
depart from earth,
Hy emotions reached a high pitch again when
Polly and I were in the Pantheon on Sunday the 22nd
That noble building impressed me powerfully as a
memorial to the best and the greatest men and women
VJe had been invited by a descendant of Louis
Braille — a good-looking, distinguished man --
to sit with him and his family during the ceremon-
ies, and I felt that nothing could have honored me
more than such an intimate contact with kinsfolk
from Coupvray which Louis Braille loved so passion-
ately. Everything was conducted with supreme ele-
gance and dignity — the glorious music, the color-
ful costumes of the Republican Army which raised
their sabres every time an important personage
6, Rue Leconte-de-Lisle
Paris, 16'
Aut. 55-2S
appeared, and through which the bier was boi*no.
The Minister of Health made an eloquent speech on
Louis Braille’s contribution to the fellowship of
mind and spirit which has united the seeing
the blind. He dwelt on the amazing simplicity of
the alphabet which enables more and more of the
sightless to read and write, and he ended by say-
ing that Civilization had been brought a step
nearer, since the Inventor of the dot system was
recognized by the world. I was introduced to Pre-
sident Aurlol, and I sensed real gladness in his
hand as he clasped mine, (He was a friend of Jo’s)
Afterwards M, Braille, the descendant, asked me to
take his arm as vie walked down into the crypt,
and, Bella, the silence was aX'Te-insplring — one
of the experiences that occur once or twice in a
lifetime. It was a marvellous service untouched
by creed or dogma, sanctified by an element of
xmlversal worship. It was Georges Raverat whose
6, Rue leconte-de-Lisle
Paris ,16'
AUT. 55-26
big-hearted devotion and vigorous efforts made it
possible for the blind to appear at the Sorbonne,
and it was he too who arranged for the removal of
Louis Braille's ashes to the Pantheon, I hope
that now the people of Prance may become blind-
conscious and push forward the long delayed process
of integrating their capable sightless into normal
society,
I have Just been reading M, Henri's "La Vie
et I'Oeuvre de Louis Braille," and I am able to
tell you, Nella, that my first Impression of lir,
Kugelraas's book was correct, V’e cannot condemn it
too strongly as a mass of errors, anachronisms,
inventions and "invraisemblances , " It does not
serve its avowed purpose of coraminl eating know-
ledge to young people if it deforms the personality
of Louis Braille by wresting facts from the frame-
work of his quiet life and putting in figments of
the Imagination,
6, Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris. 16*
AUT. 55-26
July fifth. Dear me, we see by this morning’s
paper that Sophie Tucker is in tovm. How often
she has followed or preceded us on our tours I
This week Florence, Polly and I spent a mar-
vellous evening with Monsieur and Madame Digni-
mont vrho were among Jo’s close friends.
M, Dignimont is the well known French artist whose
charming painting of Becheron hangs on the wall of
Polly’s office. While we were there, we met Michele
Simone, who is regarded as the greatest actor in
France, From the dimples in his beaming face I
should not have known that his role is that of
tragedy, but when I saw his hands aquiver with un-
derstanding of human sorrow and joy, I was pro-
foundly stirred. Their exquisite sensitivenes
is another form of speech,
Polly and I are bringing home a film for Nancy
which we had "made" here in Paris. We did our best
to follow her suggestions, but we are afraid that
6, Rue leconte-de-Lisle
Paris. 16'
AUT. 55-26
the film may not be all she wants.
The mondial heat vmve has all but prostrated
us the last few days. However, we managed to re-
fresh ourselves at several restaurants out-doors —
one at the end of Avenue Foch at the beginning of
the Bois de Boulogne, where it is alviays cool and
delightful, another on the Ghamps-Elysees and
the Pre Catalan,
V/ednesday morning we went to the Louvre where
I was permitted to touch some works of art, A-
mong them were marvellous friezes from the Par-
thenon which enabled me to feel the beautiful
foirnis of youths and maidens and follow the rhythm
of their bodies. Thus I could fill out a bit more
the mental picture of the Parthenon that has
thrilled me ever since Polly and I climbed the
Acropolis, There were impressive giant stone
statues, badly broken and defaced, but eoquent of
ancient G-reek art. A moving representation was
6, Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris, 16“
AUT. 55-2S
two friends before death shaking hands with a long
last look. My fingers thrilled as they passed over
an adorable Eros, a dancing-girl who seemed to me
one of the Graces, an appealing image of a young
athlete who had met his death at the Olympic games
and his boy slave and two dogs looking up at him
most affectionately, I wish that something would
move you, Nella, to come to Paris with us some-
time, learn to know and love it as we do and feast
your eyes upon the treasures in the Louvre,
At present I am reading "Les Miserables," one
of the countless books I have not found leisure for
all these years. It contains twenty-eight Braille
volumes. It is an amazing book, and if Victor Hugo
had had Tolstoy’s power of suggestion and compact
x^rlting, it might have ranked ^^^lth "War and Peace."
As it is, Hugo deserves eternal gratitude for his
mighty fulmlnations against degrading poverty, the
convict system that used to exist in Prance and
6, Rue leconte-de-Lisle
Paris, 16*
AuT. 55 -26
ecclestiastlc despotism,
Well, well, I have not said a word about our
trip through the Near Bast. You will learn much
from Karl Meyer's diary and the many fine photograph
we have to show you. Ho took great pains to bring
out the meaning of our work, and we ourselves are
astonished at the enormous amount we accomplished.
Some error on the part of the American Poixndation
created an impression abroad that I was to address
universities and schools for the seeing as a sort of
missionary, beside visiting the institutions for the
handicapped, and that is vjhy our program was so
crowded. However, thanks to the capacity for more
intense living that some of us develop towards the
end of our earth-life, I have garnered a vrealth of
memories which will shine upon me until Eternity.
There is the awful sense of a whole civilization
entombed when I visited the Museum in Cairo, a glo-
6. Rue leconte-de-Lisle
Paris. 16'
A UT . 55 -2 S
rious remembrance of the Mosque of Light to which
Madame Marzouk took us and the bird's-eye view wo
had of the city old and new from the heights occu-
pied by the mosque. It is a poem to recall the
night we spent on the desert under the shadow
of the Pyramids, .1 could fgel the silence of the desert, intense,
primal, hostile to all gro^^rth, extending over the noiseless sand in e-
vei’y direction. On sev'ral occasions we met charming Egyptian women,
progressive in their ideas, with whom it was a delight to discuss va^fL-
ous aspects of history and who, I believe, will exercise a potent influ-
ence on the higher development of their country. One of them said to
me, "The Egyptian people have a strong will-power, but you must make
them believe in a movement before they attempt it*" And how true that
is of the work for the blind and the deaf! The good school and work-
shop for the blind at Zeitoun and the splendid institute for deaf girls
opened by the Government owe their existence to the untiring persever-
ance of Mr. Sayyed Fattah, a jolly, lovable man, an undiscoiirageable
optimist, whose jokes made me laugh away difficulties whenever we met.
And there was the unforgettable hour which Taha Hussein Pasha spent
with me at the Semiramis Hotel in Cairo. He could not speak English,
but his son — the true son of his mind and a dear, charming boy, inter-
preted for us both. '»<e talked about many things — Homer, Aeschylus,
Euripides and other Greek poets and dramatists, the liberating power of
the mind, Taha Hussein's studies of the great blind Arab philosopher of
the tenth century and his summer home on an island in the Nile, and how
responsive and tender he was to me! I plucked up courage to ask him what
he had done for the blind while he was Minister of Education, and he
told me that he had worked quietly helping capable blind people to go
on to a college or a university. He said that one of the chief needs
of the Egyptian blind was secondary schools from which they could go
to finish their education in a college. It was a precious boon to feel
his strong personality behind me when I pleaded with different ministers
6, Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris, 16'
AUT. 55-2S
of the Government to establish those secondary schools. Finally
the Minister of Education said definitely that the schools wovild
be opened, and Mr. Fattah beamed his assurance that the promise
would be fulfilled. Nous verrons — you know how dilatory the
officials of the Middle East are.
Ne were most hospitably entertained at Beirut, and everybody
was wonderful to us. Beirut is a sweet, clean city, packed with
schools, colleges and Christian luissions. At some distance is the
Lebanon range of mountains where 'we had a glorious drive through
peaceful pastures and villages that recalled Bible times, and we
found one or two. places where every man sat under his oto fig-tree
and his o>m vine, and no one made him afraid. I was disappointed
not to see the ancient cedars of Lebanon, but I touched many young
ones and revelled in their fragrance.
Damascus was absorbingly fascinating and exciting too. We could
feel how terribly the Syrians are stirred up over the Arab refugees
from Palestine, and it was not prudent for us to leave the hotel
unless some one from the American Embassy accompanied us. VJe under-
stood that Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city on
earth. ¥e saw many handsome buildings, mosques and picturesque old
shops, and I walked on the oldest street in the world. I learned
6, Rue Leconte-de-Lisle
Paris. 16'
Aut. 55-2S
that the women of that city are moving rapidly tov?ards social maturity
and independence, and that more of them go to the University than men.
V/e attended a meeting of the Arab Women’s Federation, and I was sure,
judging by their warm-hearted response, that they would at least start
one school for the blind. We had a public meeting, and I will say to
you, Nella, that I gave them the devil because their blind had been ut-
terly neglected. I had been wrong in my ideas of Arab psychology. They
have little sense of social responsibility, and must be pounded and
pounded before they adopt an attitude of helpfulness towards the imfor-
tianate. There is an appalling economic and social gap between the poor
and the rich in all the Arab co;antries through which we have travelled,
and any attempt to remedy the situation is put down ruthlessly by their
rulers .
We often passed the camps of refugees, and I turned sick at the
inconceivable misery and helpless animality in which they live. Yet the
wealthy Arabs who o\m rich, beautiful lands throughout the Near East do
little or nothing for those pitiful creatures but fill the world's ears
with their complaints and wrongs, while the United Nations uses every
possible means to solve their problem. It was heart-warming for us to
meet all the way from Egypt to old Jerusalem American delegates who
are working with all their might on Point Four. As we listened to the
6, Rue Leconte-de-Lisle
Pa R I s , 1 6'
AuT. 55-2G
tlu-UUne st..y of tholr efforts, the ehdloss obstacles they encounter
and their slow but steadily increasing trlunph in conrinclng the bach-
ward peoples that self-help is the sure way to sal„tlo„, the world at-
aosphere vibrated for me with new energy and hope. Despite the tragic
blunderings cf toerica in Its foreign policy. Just to hear and look at
those young men and women absorbed in their global endeavor was a revel-
ation to me cf the growing intelligence and spirit of service to others
that will yet establish Oivllisatlon for all peoples.
It was the golden season of harvest, and on all the roads over
which we drove from Beirut to Israel I smelt the blessedness of plenty
Polly described to me the endless processions of camels, donlceys, men and
boys car.yi„g the wheat to its destination. As a whole, eacept for se-
woral citUs and towns, the land was quite as pasoral as when Abraham and
s men tilled it. For mile after mile thousands of sheep and goats
browsed by the roadside, and the primitive solitude spoke volnmes to my
imagination.
in .erusale. I was bored stiff .-3igbt-seeing. •• We went to the Church
of the Nativity and the alleged tomb of the Virgin Maiy, and Oh, the sick-
ening commercialism of it all! We climbed
and heard eveiy detail of the vicissitudes
every step of the Via Dolorosa
which had befallen those sacred
6, Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Par IS. 16“
AuT. 55-26
places. The smells of the ancient city were horrible, and nearly drove
me crazy. It was all I could do to keep from exclaiming out loud, "How
can any sane person call places containing such filth sacred to any
religion?" Hovrever, there was a satisfying spiritual experience that
brought Polly and me happiness. Early one Sunday morning we visited
the garden sepulchre of the Lord. As you probably know, when General
Gordon ■'.■ra.s in Jerusalem, he discovered what he felt sure was the real
site of the Lord's tomb — the new sepulchre not yet finished in which
Joseph of Arimathea laid the body. What a forceful symbol of God's
Work, unfinished, going on forever! We walked down a path bordered
with tall sage, thyme and other sweet herbs and wild-flovrers that must
have gladdened Jesus's heart, and as we entered the tomb, I was full
not of sorrow but deeply felt joy. For there, as always, God's Pre-
sence was an exalted reality to me. We sat dov/n at the entrance and
gave ourselves up to an inundation of virgin morning fragrances, sun-
shine soft and tender — a reflection of His revivifying Love, the
songs of birds, and I was more than ever confident in the Resurredection.
When we at last crossed the area of bombed territory between the
two parts of Jerusalem, I was speechless at the desolate ruin around us.
But in another moment we had entered the electric, stimulating atmo-
6, Rue Leconte de-Lisle
Paris, 16'
AuT. 55-2S
sphere of Israel, so different from the putrescent decay of civiliza-
tions not yet buried. Really, Israel is all that I have read, it is
clean, vigorous and rejoicing "like a strong man to run a race." Every-
body in Israel is working with a will to found a commonwealth on the
highest ideals of the Prophets. From one end of the Republic to the
other Polly and I saw and touched the fertility that the hands of the
people have wrought in the bare hills and plains. As we went from one
kubbitz to another, we observed how happy and healthy the children and
youths were, and how wisely they are being trained not only for agricul-
ture and industry, but also for constructive citizenship. We were de-
lighted with the good roads and bridges in process of construction every-
where, and we parsed the gigantic irrigation projects on which Mrs. Roose-
velt has commented. But -..-hat we saw in a country surrotmded by enemies
and involved in difficult financial problems is so wonderful that doub-
ters will hardly believe our report.
The work for the blind and the deaf in Israel has not been exagger-
ated. I was impressed by the intelligence and alertness of the teachers
of both groups. Their imagination and resourcefulness help the pupils to
overcome lack of equipment and of apparatus that bypasses their limita-
tions. It is touching to reflect that this want of proper educational
Nella darling,
•.7hat angelic patience you have displayed over ny uncon-
scionable silence' And what undeserved pleasure your newsy
tetters have added to the emotions and impressions which
have overflowed me lake a tide these past two months.' Besid
the hard work and the fast thinking I have had to do in order
to have the proper remarks and speeches ready for occasions
not unexpected, it is true, but bristling with ^unexpected
circumstances, this journey has been as thrilling ror me as
"The Arabian Nights" and fke tales of Greek n^hclcgy in one.
It is only new that Polly and I hap fi^|^d our last offi-
cia Engagement in India, at : in the mountains, and
I can take breath to write you at least a fraction of the
experiences and adventures that have befallen us since we
set foot on Indian soil.
During our first three toys, end indeed ,»st of the
ti.e „„r visit W.S vonderful, terrifying, heotio. ye
through a »hirlv/ind of Bootings, receptions official and
unoffiol-a and calls on president Pras«i, the anisiry of
Dduoation, especially Mr grad ahd other proBinent persons.
The presides was darling,. siBple and easy to tatk pith,
ye could see the strain and stress of constant work and dif -
.iculty upon his face. He shcped us a bottle surBountod
ty a tiny bit Of rock phich the cjinbera had picked up on
the top Of Mount Everest. ,s I fingered that stoll „Bento
of victor, over the tremendons forces of nature, I had a vi-
aion of a Bighti.r conquest phen should attain the spi-
ritual courage to behold God face to face.
But the Best iBpressive personality, the Best electri-
tylhg eapressicn of India pe net pas Hehru. ye sa. hi„ se-
veral tines, and he Invited us to a quiet dinner in his home
before po left for Bombay. „d his daughter Indir. paid
I
^ laaicang us feel aq -.•^>
- -3 Of their fanaiy. „o, ,.ella, x could „ t
- - a .orld fi^.., ,, — - -rset that
- X understood ho. it I3 that
^ehru creates :.en and enlighte
Xug presences spread quicken-
spread .arni:h through the void of .
-e Often hear that -Jei, • • Xsno ranee.
ru 13 impatient at the slowness of th
progress Which he thinks essential to th
^dxa in ad^iatration, education of the people
- - ...
■ ”" hi«,„ i„
«-P .a i-a«. I«
ouen If he lives
-PP.-0 ..a :i:r:: --- -
-eao- J W as champions of world
peace and Civiliza+-!,.v.
e talked about Tagore alVd t s*
poetrv in , -iJgore and Indian
^ “ S.a.ral,
Of Indi.., 3,„„ ** ‘Paaalation,
»'>™ ahowed
exquisite ivories. Cne of them, an elephant *s tusk which he
supported for me to feel, is seven feet high, beautifully-
carved in the likeness of a long branch of a tree. I expressed
a wish that I might see the Taj Ijahal, and to ny surprise
Nehru said that he would see what could be done to make such
a visit possible when I returned to Deljii in April.
Bombay, where we passed an exciting week, is an inter-
esting city with some nice buildings and a bea\xtiful drive
along the shore of the Arabian Sea. T7e found the city very
nrjch alive, and there were immense crowds at all the meet-
ings. Fortunately those gatherings were held out doors; so
we did not suffer too much from the heat. I am sorry to say
that although a warm interest in thfe blind was evident,
yet I had no chance to visit the deaf oT speak for them.
were so warm and eager TiO s^ve ana
V
wonaeied wiiy che deaf were not included in
ihe campaign. e visited tnu sciiool for the uiind and wex'e
delighted wn;h their hisn standard or woricmanstiip. Also I
laid the foundation stone oi the first sheltered workshop for
the olind in India butsiue the schools that teach olind yotrth.
I told the people it was a step in the right direction to
start the worKshop, out it was not enough. I reminded them
that they had sown only a tiiy seed for the two million olind
wf India, and that worhshops must be set up for them in
eveiy state ueiore th cal was attained. It is hoped that
the sheltered workshop will convince the public of the capa -
bilities of the adult blind, and that employers of large
concerns will be persuaded to engage them in open industry.
Another time I spoke to the women's councils of Bombay on
prevention of blindness. I was pleased to learn of the eye
camps, mobile clinics ana eye propaganda in the State of
Bombay, but I urged the women to take up the responsibility
of securing funds and having mere and more nurses trained
so that the ophthalmologists might extend their heroic fight
against the agelong scourge or olindness.
The principal interests of Hyc|rabad, to which we \^'ent
from Bombay, were its amazing engineering projects for dams,
canals and improved farming and the handsome architecture of
the University where v/e spoke, Aoout twelve thousand stu -
dents attend the laiiversity, aod I met talented ones who are
blind. There is a desire among the people for higher educa -
tion, but I could net see that they had accomplished as much
as they might for their fellows v^ithoufc sight.
l&dras received us with open arms. By the way, Nilla, it
is wonderfiil how the people v/elcome us everywhere, .'.'hen we
arrive at an airport or at a meeting, I :im fairly weighed
dcvm with artistically rcimea garlands or petals cttiled rrcm
flcwexs such as roses, tuDercses, jasmines or temple dIcsO*
scms, and you can imagine hvw rich they were xn iragrance
and color. In one place I ived a garland c| spices J I
never saw such flcral ingenur«y even in liiwaii. And oh, the
tributes, some very bea'utiiui, rom the speakers and the
gilts, both touching ana em^^iiassing J
.As usual Polly does
not repeat to me the warm worus spoken o±' her. prom her feel-
ings you can picture ny o\m listening to laary speeches about
nyselr. But occasionally tncre have been splendid comments
on Teacher showing true insignt into her ability to endow me
as it were with senses to see through darkness without eyes,
hear througii silence witnouo caxS and speaK. ny message to the
v/orld With aerective speoch, now anxiously I am awaiting the
publication of ny now book tiio-o, I hope, may bring home to
its readers the meaning cf that achievement i
V/e liked Lfedras. It is a clean, progressive city with
what seems to me an outstanding record of effective work for
the blind and the deaf, ".'e stayed for a v/eek at Raj Shaven,
a delightful place which is decidedly English in its combin-
ation of garden, deer park (the animals are white) and fo-
rest. Cur host, Els Sbccellency uovemor Parakas, called on
us every day and showered upon us all sorts of kindness and
considerateness. It v/as a genuxne pleasure for me to dis-
cuss with such a wise, cultivated voaxi Indian philosophy,
(he is a theosophist^ the ricnes of iiliglish and Irish litera-
ture from which he kept quoting and the v/onders of nature iu
India, on which he discoursea most eloquently. He gave a
great garden party for us where 1 addressed a meeting of the
Guild of Social Service on the conservation of sight. Their
response was gratifying, and uhe Governor v/as a noble ally.
He really has done a great deal to help the blind, the deaf
and other unfortunate groups of huimnityThis would indeed be
a happier world if there were statesmen like Governor Para
kas everywhere gifted udth intelligent sympathy and right
help to the handicapped and the suffering.
Te worked hard in Madra , .^ut the peace of Raj Shaven
scothed us, and the fragrance, irom the garden and the
mingled cries from the forest were a source of fascination
to me. Through His Excellency ’s thoughtfulness it v/as pos
sibie for es to get a week 's rest at TTooti up in the moun
tains where he spends his sum.' s. The main house where he
stays is very handsome and crcwded with hxstoric associa
ticns. If its walls could on'y speak, v/hat fearful tales
they would tell of flagrant robbery and oppression of India!
But it is also a monument to all that was finest and most
beneficent in the British regime. Te were happy at Uooti,
surrounded by noble trees and delectable mountain breezes,
and the Governor’s household was most friendly and hospit
able, v.'hen v/e stopped at the airport in iiidras on our way
to Ca-lcirtta, the dear old Governor met us, although he had
difficulty in wa;king, and was suffering much pain, 7/e sat
with him in the waiting room and enjoyed a wonderful cup of
coffee, brought us a great bouquet from Rai Shaven, and
I felt his tender thoughts foUovving us every mile to Calcutta,
T7e had protested successfully against a too heavy sche
dule in Calc’utta, but even so we \7ilted in the heat. The
temperature was a hundred and five. -Je did not like the city
at all, except for the kind people we met and the pleasant
homes we glimpsed. As in Bombay, the meetings were hold in
the open air. The school for the blind interested me espe
cially because the Shah who founded it understands the value
of publicity in -work for the handicapped, and lack of pub
blicity is one of the great obstacles in the movements for
the blind and the deaf of India, The press has stood by me
splendidly, but the channels of information are not yet
sufficiently wide for the people of India to reach down and
lilt up repressed groups like the blind and the deaf to a
fuller and more normal life. How I wish there were more
men like Helson Neff v/ho grasp the significance of public
relationsi
One morning we took a arive to get a good lock at the
city from 6 to 8 A. LI, The squalor, wretchedness and filth
v/e saw are horrible J Of course I realize that th^ are
partly due to what is a blaspheny to call "religion," and
that Nehru and his associates are straining every nerve to
remove that reproach to civilization. But beliefs that sanc-
tion such misery are a disgrace to the human conscience and
a blot on Xhe history of man's progress. To saw multitudes
sleeping on the pavements, pitiful, seeming forms of child -
hood every\-.-here and "sacred" cows feeding out of overturned
garbage cans. In places the smells were beyond endurance.
~:e saw crowds xts bathing ..xth their saris on. '.e came to
,b &BJaiffCSCs^aEL'Ea^ viJSece itiieL ta^menKteus ,<tm!dcaati33i’«Ji
Calcutta and all of India have unerttaken to eliminate pri
attended a reception by the omen's Committee on Child
elfare. ,fehru was tne chairman. i spoke brxefly on
the dutxes Of the Committee to Irxndicapped children. They
received what I said warmly.
real power for good in the
met many fine women who are a
Ci-y. To ujy happy surprise I v/as
"The Destiny of India " t
C fC Civ. Eu. LSQj\ Ti(U ^ Ql^u 1t ^iZ^S.
c
rip f"'?* ?
’ rv >
r?~^ C
^ 5 V
he told me about the arrangv-ment s he had made for Polly’s
and ny visit to the Taj L&hal. Another dream had come true
for me through his goodnessj in the afternoon of the 8th ue
flew to Agra, a distance of l2u miles, and after supper we
drove out to the Taj LEihal. The moon v/as full, and Polly
said its effect was magnificent ueyond words. Of course I
could not see its "frozen musxc" sifting softly through the
open doors and apertures in th walls, but as I passed uy
hand over the amazing design^, onstauitly varying curves and
symbolic figures, their uneaxtiiiy beauty tingled my fingers
as it were with flame J I coula not imagine a nobler monu-
ment to the blessings of manl ge love. In the grief which
the Taj Iv&hal embodies I felt at its heart the ever surging
life of the generations, and I w is thrilled by a prophetic
surmise that a new race of vx orous men and women would sweep
<
.'SI
nized as capable of accomplishing something worth while ijn
normal life.
In your letter of February 2lst to Polly you speak of
vN.
the ^additional burdens that people try to lay upon you."
Really there are some who try to give us the right kind of
relaxation. It was through the gracious considerateness of
His Highness Shree Singh, v/hom we met in Delhi, that we spent
a peaceful week up at his giuest house, Chashmashahi Ikjuse,
Srinagar. ',7e flew up to Kashmir on the lith, and oh, Hella,
the supreme grandeur and awfulness of the snow capped Hima -
layas as v/e shot past them were breath taking j Afterwards,
as we motored from the airport to Srinagar, we loved the flood
of apple blossoms which greeted us, the sweet grass, the
sheep and lambs watched over by well trained dogs and the
sleek cattle. But alasj an unkind fairy lay in ambush for
us. I v/as laid up with a siege of bronchial congestion for
five days^nd all that time the v/eather conspired to roo us
of the pleasure v/e should have had in seeing more of the
mountains. It spat out rain and snow and gales, and the
apple crop of the year v/as ruined. But apart from our dis«-
appointment the prince 's household were most kind to us, and
our rest was a godsend. There is a lovely lake in front of
the house, and v/hen the capricious Himalayas smiled on 3atur,
day the idth, we were able to go out for a little sail in a
boat called -Jichiliara, " and have a cup of xea on the other
shore. The next day we returned to Delhi to xeep our engage -
uent at H^toeene, where a convention of workers lor the ulind
IS ueing held.
Last ijondav we were up at rive and on our -.vay scon
VTA.uK u
after to , which is in the mountains, not far from
Dehra Irm which was originally estaolished for the war
blinded. That afterncon I opened a seminar for the blind.
the first or its kind in India. 3very one there seemed en-
thusiastic about the seminar, and I am sure that great good
will come of its activities. I enclose a newspaper clipping
aboixt xt whxch may interest you. '
OtA-t.
’7e spent only one night at iluewrie, the hotel was
horrid, and the altitude was too much for Polly 's olood
pressure. So we hurried back Tuesday, and here we are pre-
paring for Pakistan and Burma.
lUss Loges 's Braille copy of ray last oook reached me
while we were in l^sore. I do not know, Nella dear, how I
can ever thank you for ail your advice and encouragement con-
cerning the most intimate and difficult oook I have ever
written,
"That Van "jyck says about ny oook sends a warm glow to
ny heart. Vith him I feel that it is "an elegy rather than
a trioute." I could not write it anv other wav and tell the
truth as I saw it, but I am glad that he thinks it "a winning
stoiy
It is dear of Nancy to work so hard lor the distrioution
or "The Utaconquorud." If results come slowly, I know that
she will do her best to carry my message to the handicapped.
It grieves me that "The Dark is Light Enough" appears
not to be appreciated in America as it should be, I love
its beautiful language and rich thoughts and the wonderful
way Katharine Cornell interprets them.
How much I shall have to catch up with in ny reading
about India before I can bring order out of the chaos of ay
many in5)ressions and write the article for the "Outlook for
the BlindJ I did not expect to travel through the breadth
and length of India as I have, and although this letter is
long, yert I haven told you half ny experiences.
Our love and thoughts are always with you and Keith, and
Bertha, and we hope that we shall find you all well when we
see you again.
Affectionately your friend,
Imperial Hotel, New I/Olhi,
April twenty third, l955.
Dear Nella,
Oslo, June 8, 1957
What a precious soul you have been, writing PolLy and
ne letters so full of news and information! As I cabled you,
we are delifrhted that Miss Ellis’ selections from the Helen
? 0
Keller’S books have pleased you and Kathar/nCo /,^ope tlja't
J !
much eood may come of it. si.
CD
We are sorry that the manuscript on Drl HoW^' has
- c
disappointed you. Perhaps on second thoughts’^ it may be revised,
reduced to readable proportions, and give a more useful- -btography
of one of the most interesting characters in the his4(^ry of
the blind.
We came to Oslo Friday and found wonderful roses and 'sr
carnations awaiting us from Kirsten Flagstag. Sunday she
entered our room and welcomedus with open armt, we chattered
and drank Champagne. We spoke of the happy evening when you,
Polly and other friends gathered around her, and I listened
with my fingers to her rich voice. In the evening we attended
her rehearsal, which trilled us with its inspirational power.
The freshness and beauty of "A February Morning" reminded Polly
of the time when we stopped in Prestwick, and saw the lambs
P'ambolling and the grass putting on its loveliest creen, on
our way to Glasgow before we flew to India.
This has been a strenuous but wonderful trip, the people
of|Iceland were adorable, despite their struggle against a
terrific climate and endless warfare against the difficulties
of the soil. Their warm-hearted interest in brightening the
lives of their d^af and their few blind children and other
handicapped groups was most touching. They obey the commandment;
AIR MAIL
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2
"Bear ye one another’s "burdens". We fell in love with the
people of Finland we met. We visited only Helsinki, Am'bassador
Hickerson told me that Helsinki is the liveliest city in
Scandinavia and certainly we were constantly on the go,
7
attending receptions, newspaper interviews' and other functions.
From the hotel we had a fascinating view of the har"bor,
and of the boats bringing fish to the market.^ every morning.
Our visit in lovely Lucerne was delightful. The alidianee
of the Rotary International consisted of 5.000 people. It was
an enthusiastic gathering. From all we heard they were pleased
with my talk.
The people were wonderful, showering us with hospitable
warmth, the only afternoon that was free a lady took us for a ^
drive in the mountains.
Going through the city we glimpsed at a covered wooden
bridge and some old towers. Out in the country we heard the
cow-bells, and from the mountain top we had a glorious view
of Lake Lucerne under a smiling Spring sky.
When we took the plane for Stockholm I was surprised with
quite an ovation. Several prominen-^ citizens shook my hand
and greeted me with a poetic outburst of eloquence, and
presented me with an armfull of carnations. It was an
exciting opening for our visit to Stockholm, Our week the
was a perfect whirl of engagements. On the day of the
public meeting, which took place in the morning, we were
expected to. inspect not only the fine library for the blind
but also the work-rooms and the school-rooms, and attended
a luncheon given in my honor by the Minister of Social
Welfare and other members of the government.
Howeverp there was a beautiful quiet experience which
3
I shall cherish araone my outstanding memories of Sif«den.
Polly and I had an audience with King Gustax VI Adolf
and his beautiful wife (sister of Lord Louis Mountbatten) *
They receired us most graciously, and his Majesty, who ia,
sincerely interested in the blind, began at onfee' to discusa'^^t
s -
their problems with an imdefstanding which mai^ conr^aat-
^ ^ , ,
ion a refreshing experience. - a, O r. ^
Then he led me into a room, put me in a chair and placed
in my hands one choice object after another from one of" the
finest Chinese collections in the world, I know how ybu would
harefeasted your eyes on that collection, and your ears on his „
descriptions of what he showed me -- exquisite rases, delicatiy
carved birds, a reclining ox, an article of jade 3.000 years old,
which looked somewhat like a small ax, and was held by the
noblemen as a sign of reverence before the Emperor,
The Helen Keller Film was shown in Stockholm, and the people
received it warmly. The people of Oslo saw it too, and their
enthusiastic comments appeared in the newspapers,
Oslo is a sweet city, the hotel is near the sea, and the
air is heavenly. The streets are lined with horse-chestnut
trees which remind me of Paris. There are many green parks.
The press which interviewed us here Friday asked the most
intelligent questions of any that I have heard on the tour,
and it was a pleasure to answer them. Sunday we went to a
service in the Church of the Deaf. Ten young people were
confirmed. The mtisic was a joy, and the deaf seemed really
to appreciate it, the service was beautiful and I loved the
4.-
earnest way in which the young cormunicants accepted their
new -responsibility in life.
In the afternoon the Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Association for the Blind was celebrated and two mounted
policemen headed a procession and Polly and I followed in an
open car with a martial band playing behind us. Multitudes
of people lined the streets, and many hung''®u,t of their
windows. It was a herculean task for me ^.to wave to them.
Polly and I felt like a pair of bloody fools, as she would
say. The procession lasted half an hour. Then in a/beautiful
par> 10.000 people gathered, I spoke a sentence or two,
saluting the Association, and we sat a long time listening
to speeches in Norwegian, of course we did not understand.
Luckily Kirsten’s voice later rested us after that ordeal.
This is not the kind of a letter I wanted to send you,
dear Nella, but what can one do in the midst of interruptions,
calls, notes that demand a prompt answer, and practice wit
different speeches?
Piccy, our sweet secre-'cary from Paris, is givi S
wonderful help in all kindf? of ways and we can
thankful for our good for-'cune in being accompa
Keith and yourself,
With Polly’s and my fjiffection to Kei
I am.
Devotedly yours.
Oh, Nella, what a tour2 Exhausting in the e^rerae.
Helen being received Royally every '
The Embassies say nev^ has a
received with such fervor or with such appreciation.
Love, love, love.
I
AIR MAIL
1 'I ^ 7
Plccy is a lamb, I wish you could meet her. She is
a bripht ray when we are down and out.
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I
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
February 2?, 19 '?9
Dearest Nella,
It has saddened Polly and me to know how far
from well you have been all these weeks, but we hope
that now you are improving steadily. Do take the best
care of yourself for Keith's, Polly's and my sakes.
We were sorry not to have a glimpse of you on
February 20th, but we loved yo\ir thought of us both.
The day passed most pleasantly, and I am sure that Polly
will be her old self by June.
Yes, I shall be happy to have the whole of
Sandburg's Lincoln speech before Congress. »v/hat new
expressions of America's greatness might emerge if such
powerful speeches v/ere delivered always on Lincoln's
and Washington's birthdays.
Please thank Keith for his dear letter about
your painful experience and his big attack on Ru.ssian
technical and scientific literature. It will indeed be
exciting to hear his reports of discoveries — and sly
stratagems too that Russia is trying to conceal from us.
What a precious guide you are for me to books
of delightl I haven't enjoyed anything more than "Ur of
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
-2-
the Chaldees," your excerpts from "In An Antique Land,"
Platt's "Our Flowering World," the review of Pasternak's
"T)r. Zhivago," which causes me to feel Teacher's presence
vividly, and Ruth Carson's fascinating descriptions of
fish, birds and beasts in the sea and under the wind.
You are the first to tell me about those charming
little verses called haiku. The ones you copied are vio-
lets of thought that fill my mind with lovable fragrance.
That haiku is a perfect darling —
"The shell of a cicada — it sang itself
utterly away." I hope that I may read many more some
day. I am amazed to hear of the million haiku that are
printed each year beside the fifty magazines devoted to
the subject. How glad I am that the haiku is being cul-
tivated in America I
Do get well quickly and drop in to see us.
With Polly's and my affection to you both, I am.
Lovingly your friend.
Helen
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Dear Nella,
You were a darling to have the introduction to Haiku
and Krutch's "The Great Chain of Life” transcribed for mel
I have enjoyed the warm, Japaui-loving account of the Haiku
development and the inimitable verses immensely. No Nella,
I dare not attempt to write any Haikus, it seems to ms al-
most a sacrilege. They quiver with a beauty and create a
special atmosphere that belong to Nippon as exclusively as
the rose-petal and the violet's fragrance belong to the
plants that bear them. I can only read the article again
fran time to time and take fresh delight in original verses
sprung from Nippon as rare blossoms in an artistically planted
garden,
I am still reading "The Great Chain of Life" with ponder-
ing fascination. How I should love to view Volvox in a beam of
light through the microscope. The more I learn about the origins
of plants and animals, the more excited I become over the length
of time and the complexity of processes that have gone into the
creation of man,
I am sorry you were disappointed j.n Van Doren's "Letters
to Mothers," but I do not vjonder, I haven't read or heard of
anything distinguished on the subject, except a few beautiful
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
Page -2-
descriptions by men and women fortimate enough to have un-
usual mothers with a gift of responding to their mental
powers. Especially I remember a tribute to his mother by
Goethe in "Aus meinem Leben" and a tender one by Stendhal,
(His mother died when he was six years old,)
With much interest I am going through passages from
Pasternak about Christianity and Judaism, From the "Jewish
Braille Review" I get the impression that the Jews are not as
senile religiously as they once were. But I give three cheers
for Jesus's stimulating message to all men of growth and under-
standing between the peoples,
I hope your lun^eon with the Gibsons and Anne Bancroft
will be as fruitful in results as you expect. Never did I
dream that a drama could be divised out of the story of my life.
There I Polly is out on the balcony waiting for me to
sit with her. With our united love to Keith and yourself,
I am,
Af f e ctionately,
Helen
April 30, 19^9
GOJY
Arean
Vsaiport, C*nn.
O«iob«r 11, 1^60
•ar ^allAi
X MU mr* sorry than weras oan axprsca tbai
X hovo not thankoa you for tho lottoro you havo wrltton
•nd hod r«i in^o DroXllo for •« durlne "Moy aoetho. Pot
stron^o •xrorla»o«« ho^o oouroA o* to think r^ooply,
without coimool, an<* X imb otill trying to doeir'hor
thoir oieniflconoo. Aftor oil tho yooro in whieh I hovo
known you, it is won^orful how auoh you havo coaounioatad
to tM on count looa aubjocta, and I a« srataful In^'oad.
1 approoiato your Xin<!noaB in wishine
ra«aab«r X‘olXy in your vlil. 7h«ro ia ona aantanca in
your lattor which cauaaa no to foal that you ara aiaiakan
with to Toaohor, r« far aa X know, nothing haa bran
dona concrataly in har oanory. Y'U know it waa aha who
euidad ae through tha difficuXtiaa and eoapXicationa I not
whan I daeidod to caat «y Ufa with tha Anarlean foundation
for tha I'XlBd. Zt waa fron har wladoc and undaratandlnc
of tho aiehtlaas that >olly ^aioad har ability to c%rry
on our aetivltlaa. Vo who kt»aw and lo^od folly for har
apXondld, tiraXaaa offorta will aXwaya honor hor, but X
eanoot haXp fooXinf that '='oaohor*a ahora in ny Foundation
antarorlaa waa tha oost inporiant part.
r>o aany aneaaaaanta ara turnlnc up bafora X
go aoutb, X do not know if I can aaa you un^iX I con#
hack ao«« tiaa in tha winlar.
'1th affacilonata graatinga to you and Kaith,
X an
AS always your friand.
'Ignad; Kalan Kallar
6, Rue L econte- de-Lisle
Paris. 16'
A UT . 55 -2 ©
oxy- aue to
the neeeesu,
the g,Mrous Invitation of Israel to settle In the land.
Every time I thirik of lerapl +Visa t
Israel, the loving hospitality and courtesy
of the feople „111 snlle upon me. They were generous ulth the little
they had to give. Per InsWe, I ™a presented hy the Blreotor of the
Xeoish Institute for the Blind ulth a heautl^ly hound Blhl, ado„ed
»ith silver .oro™s,.. and I reoelved a h^dsome metal guide dog fro. the
blinded ex-servicenen.
K. had the prlvlleg, of meeting Ben Burton -- a titan in courage and
rtoion. Gold. Meyerson who Is responsible for the fine roads In Israel,
Itrs. Helzm^u,. the rtf. of the President of the Republic, (h. m .t
ne time we called) Ruth Kluger, whom Jo knew and admired, and who went
“1th us to meetings, she is a.ong the heroic group who rescued Jew.
Ihom imohau and ^chenwald and brought them illegally., to Israel.
how It IS time for us to go to the airport, and I must stop. Florence
love. We have done our best to divert her mind from her
troubles hut i
a one can touch a sacred sorrow like hers. With
Polly's and my love until we see you, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
1
i
T
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
December 29, 1941.
Dearest Nella,
Your Christmas Remembrance was of the kind I especially love.
Memories of other Christmases of which Teacher and you were part chimed
sweetly in my heart as we opened the package by the fireside, sur-
rounded by holly, mistletoe, fragrant evergreens and red candles.
How softly and cosily the scarf nestled into my hand as I drew it out
of the wrapping I It will feel like your affection warm round my neck
when I face the snow and north-wind.
Polly was never prouder in her life, I am sure, than she is now
with your biography of Kipling. She can hardly wait to devour its
pages until her hands are free from the annual picturesque debris left
by the festivities. Then she will write you her thanks.
As to mine, I have more to thank you for than any special gift —
the way you give your dear self the year round in counsel, encourage-
ment and practical guidance to us both. Sometimes, missing Teacher's
presence unbearably, I murmur like Milton, "Doth Cod day labor exact,
light denied?" Then I think of you, and my serenity is restored.
You know without my saying it that our last Christmas had a sub-
dued lustre. But I think we appreciated it more than the gayer ones
vie have had. All of us upon whom good fortune has smiled can now
pause to count some of our innumerable blessings, and I pray that many
may be moved to save them for coming generations who will find them-
selves in a gray, wrecked world. Then, as Winston Churchill said at
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
the lighting of the community Christmas tree — only then can children
everywhere be sure of their right to laughter and song in peaceful
homes*
Another thought which sweetened ray Yule-tide was the knowledge
that you, Robert and other dear ones would be foregathering during the
holidays and storing up brightness for a dark time. Polly looks for-
ward to being with you New Year Day, and I know she, too, will be the
better for a bit of sunshine to remember.
Considering 1942 in prospect I recall the lines you brailled
for me:
"whoe’er can know,
As the long days go.
That To Live is happy, hath found his Heaven."
V/ith this New Year Greeting I embrace you.
Af f ectionntfilv.
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
September 14, 1942.
Nella, what a darlinr you arel The su'Testions you .Ta.de for the
article were splendid, and imparted to it the straight- froi’^-the-shoulder
quality I wanted for such a large audience.
The trouble was, there were so many different ways to approach the
subject, and conceitedly I ^ried to reach a variety of groups at once —
the spiritual who are not sufficiently aware that faith is a hi.gher mili
tancy, the slow reader, the ’’sunshine patriot" and the .man on the street
That is where I fell down, not skilfully applying the practical maxim»
"Pe all things with all men, so that ye may win some." However, you
showed me how to send the arrow to its mark s.ithout over-weighing its aim
or its probable effect. Thank you enormously. I delayed this note a
day or two thinking I might hear from "Missy," but she has not written
yet, and I do not want any more time to pass without your knowing of
my appreciation.
Judging from your letters, the summer seems to have been a crop
yielding min_led seed — peace on ’’’css ’'cuntain and anxiety about Keith'
father. Hut T know the benefit he and Mrs. Henney gained from their
holiday makes your leisure to vrite all the more gratifying.
T hope Paniel '"ebster has proved as stimulating as you expected.
Your stirring ’-.-ords about his genuine love of country will be a rebuke
to the "new isolationists’’ -whom ’^r. MqcLeish riddles so mercilessly v.-ith
t'ne bullets of his scorn. I hope you heard his broadcast yesterday ""
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
a noble tribute to '’ritain -- and that it will help put a quietus to
the anti-British propaganda.
The "Teacher" biography has jrown to such bulk that I need inner
strength to tackle it equal to Charles Atlas's megnificent muscle”
pitting feats. The prospect of copying that Eraille mass, much of it
erased and corrected almost to illegibility, focusing my humble powers
to depict a fascinating, perverse, lovable personality, and then over-
hauling the manuscript again for still happier effects is about as
staggering as it would be to keep a pet mastodon and load him cut to
pasture each morning. However, I am encouraged by a feelinu' that the
verst is over, and I can pull along until I dare once more to show
you what T have w/ritten.
Tco bad 'about the dry weather on "^oss fountain. Te have had
plenty of rain. Cur roses have almost overrun us with their fragrant
loveliness. The grass and weeds have taxed Folly and me to the utmost
to keep them down, ""hp trees have grown enougli to cast larger sha-
dows over the lavn. How the Jewel-like 'uarberries, the bitter-sweet*
the ivy and crimson swamp maples make us almost wild wiUi delight. I
hope you may drop in here during, October in time to see some of the
glory. You will hardly reco^^nize the place, it looks and smells as
if we had tended and loved it ten years instead of just three.
Cvdng to the o,\aclions of the biography, T have put a curb on
my hospitable feelings, but occasionally we see Stuart and Sandra
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Oruuiui.on gnd jieat intex-estin/ peoplft at thair house. Cne day it v.as a
^^rcup of deli;;htful, hi-hly cultivated Chinese — Mr. and Mre. Soon^>
connected with reconstruction work for China, and ’’’rs. Chu, the vife
of General Chu, who is staying in ’ashington. I v.^-S iaipressed by her
unique personality, brilliajit mind and political vision.
Another afternoon we met Hr. "Cstrada, a „ell known "riter from
Argentine, Comet ime I will let you see a beautiful letter he wrote to
'"tuart about "The '.'orld I Live Tn." (l had sent hLu a copy.) He wants
to translate that bock into Spanish, and I have written to the Century
Company begging them to grant his request. It seems strange, doesn't it,
that a wash should be expressed to translate "The Story of Hy Life" and
"The Torld I Live Tn" now after forty years. I am i'.roud to have the
friendship of a man like Hr. Tstrada, so gifted with discerning sympa-
thy and poetic, sensibility. He is the author of "L>j. Hadiograffa d ’A.r-
^entine" which T believe is a courageous, enlightening book. If there
•.vere only 'nany more _enerously disposed South Afuericans of his type,
it v.ould not take long for all the Americas to unite in fraternal coope-
ration. I almost forgot to tell you, Hr. Cstrada says that he will
give whatever profit he may have from the translation to the blind of
■Argentine.
Recently Igor Sikorsky and his vife spent an evening with us for
the second time, ""e had an informal sui ji-^r out on the terrace to which
we invited Mr. and I'rs. C. .A. Pfeiffer, Prof, and *'rs. Robert Pfaffer,
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
the '^•ruiiiraons and othar friends who ve knew would be thrilled to hear
about the helicopter. Mr. Sikorsky kindly ^^ave a talk which every one
enjoyed. He said the lovernment is taking the helicopter seriously for
military purposes, it is so lij;ht, manoeuverable, safe, easy to master.
Its potential tasks are hard to enumerate -- carrying aid and comfort to
?Jazi-conquered countries, patrolling sea lanes, protectinj;; fighter
planes, speeding, relief to the v/ounded. If it is produced in vast quan-
tities, it will be a factor in shortening; the '.Var. Oh dear I there is
so much to tell you that a letter can't hold.
Last Saturday we had Sir Ian and Lady 'f^’raser out to Arcan Hid^e for
a cuj.' of tea. They had lately come over by clipper to attend confer-
ences for the blind in Canada and the United States, and that is how it
happened t’nat they had a chance to call on us. The conversation v;as
breath-takin£, cranimed with news free from censorship. The Traser home
has been bombed four times. Part of "St. Dunstan's" has been simply
levelled to the pround, and the talking-book machines destroyed. The
beautiful hospital given by Lord Huffield for eye operations was demo-
lished, but it has been rebuilt in a safer locality. You will hear the
rest v/hen we see you.
I think the enclosed letter from Hr. Adams will interest you.
"'ith best love to you both in which Folly joins, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
H t 1. t ri
Nella dear*
As always you are a wise counsellor and a wholesome rebuker of egotism crop-
ping out in my intense championship of a long espoused cause. I have rewritten
part of my letter to Ur. Wallace with your suggestions in mind.
And you did not lay bare my whole fault either. Reading over my first draft I
was cross with myself because I had been so stupid as to rattle On and on about
conspiracies to encircle Soviet Hussia instead of striking at the real defect of
"Socialism does not jibe with human nature." In urging a scholarly attitude I
have simply expressed the lessons impressed upon me by great historians and as
far as our frailties permit — unbiased students of races and economic upheavals*
no matter what their politics* creed or philosophy may be. Still, Nella* I am able
to say I have a firmer grasp upon Socialist experiments and theories now because
an ever increasing number of books and articles from new angles flows under my fin-
gers "The People’s Uarx" which, having read the original German, I cai^vouch for as
a masterly rendering of his teachings, the Dean of Canterbury’s "Soviet Russia,"
Stuart Chase’s "Mexico" (written from the angle of the Mexican village commune)
and plenty of anti-Soviet literature.
The enclosed letter is in the spirit of all I have writ'^n about and for
Soviet Russia since 1917. You would despise me, I know, if , even to avoid dog-
matism, I adopted an attitude like Max Sastman, who, I happen to be aware from
personal data, is a renegade without courage.
How sorry Polly and I were to hear you had been so far from well I If any-
thing could drive away your bad fairies, we were sure beautiful Foes Mountain would.
But nothing has ever downed you, and perhaps your visit to Georgia will start you
fact innate Impatience Polly and I await
4c-.Tw OJ ■ CM MutCt's '^c.t.rrLL^ y
the time when we can talk over everything with you.
Lovingly,
TU L £, n
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ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
January 4, 1943-
Oh Nella, what a darling you arel You cannot know what your
Christ.'nas "emembranre meant to Polly and me. It could have been thought
of only by a real friend who remembers the outward end tangible satis-
factions as well as the inner abundance of the spirit. It wae a de-
light to look over the gifts and read the appetitizing labels on the
cans — delectable promises of a warm chowder dish on cold days like
the past month. Polly and I thank you in v.ords, but a good hug would
be more adequate to our appi eciation.
The v/onderful loving-kindness you and other friends showed us
caused my eyes to grow moist, I was so emphatically conscious of not
deserving it, but it was very pleasant just the same, and helped me
to mu'fle the tolling of world calamity in my heart's Christmas
Carols. It was an unforgettable scene in the midst of which we sat
on the floor reading cards, cablegrams, letters and opening parcels.
■^he fire-place was festooned with ground-pine and little silver
bells, the sitting-room was gay with poinsettas, one of them a huge,
blossom- laden plant from f/r. Pfeiffer, candle-light and pine boughs.
'"e spent Christmas afternoon with the Crur.Lnons, and the laughter
of their little boy and girl made me feel I was a child again, "hile
a big jovial Yule-log caused the flame to laugh lustily up the chim-
ney Ctuart and I settled the affairs of the universe, worrying over
the unfortunate effects of the late Cepublican victories and the I
fear deliberate greeds and isolationism in the United States that
threaten to tamper with the best objectives of the ”ar. Then ftuart
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
read me Macaulay’s arresting exposition oT the unbroken supremacy of
the "oman Catholic Church among Christians, and we discussed whether
that despotism would ever be crushed. Stuart saw no prospect of it,
T expressed confidence in Lisa Sergio’s assertion that it is already
on the way out. Also I recalled how my first Italian teacher,
Cr. Ferreri, had told me that his nation was a people of commonsense,
and would ultimately disestablish the power of the Vatican. If you
could have been there, what a spirited exchange of ideas you two would
have had on every subject under the sunt After the intellectual
hunger I often have felt since Teacher’s going it is a priceless bless-
ing to have such friends pour manna into my desert places.
Having you and Ann with us multiplied our enjoyment of ”The Three
Sisters." It is a memorable experience truly for us to have witnessed
together the gentle, yet potent influence Katharine Cornell and Guth-
rie McClintic have wielded in elevating and enriching the American
drama.
Ve v/ere troubled to hear about Ann’s accident. I hope her arm
is better now. Please give her my love.
Looking forward to the day when Robert will do the honors commis-
sioning the "Stockton," I am, with Folly’s Kew Year blessings to you
both, and with a pat for the much suffering convalescent Remus,
Affectionately your friend,
n t Lfvi Kt L
Arcan Ridge, January 4, 1944.
Dearest Nella,
How sorry we are about your illness I It is a mean shame that those wicked
flu microbes should have bombed you in the midst of the holidays, your work
and everything else. V/e are thankful for your recovery, and beg yOu with all
love's importunity to conserve your strength. It is hard, I know, v.'hen you
are bursting with energy and a big spirit of service, but you are too precious
to Keith, to us and to the sick patients to be spared.
I hope my silence hasn't left you to think I didn't appreciate your darling
Christmas Remembrance. Far from it! I adore that dainty flower of a Swiss
handkerchief, and I love still more the love it embodies. Inveterate slowness
in handling a deluge of Christmas mail is my only excuse for not having thanked
you sooner.
You will understand, I am sure, how the tragic world atmosphere saddened
Christmas Sve for Folly and me. I couldn't lift the cup of blessedness to my
lips and forget the multitudes of children to whom Christmas, 1943, would bring
no delightful toys or chiming bells or any visible signs of peace and carefree
holidaying. But vie tried to put a brave front on things, and were "up and doing
with a heart for any fate."
Katharine Cornell -- how like her! — started us happily with a telephone
message Christmas morning. VTe had dinner with Stuart and Sandra Grummon and
their adorable children. There was a fascinating guest beside us. Dr. Chin, a
pro tempore professor at Harvard. His thoughtful talk interested me keenly.
It took all my powers to keep up with him as we discussed China's colossal pro-
blems, Chinese literature and education. Generalissimo Kai-shek, the effect of
public opinion upon events as illustrated in Britain and the United States.
Before Christmas, on the 32nd, Polly and I had a memorable visit with Jo
and Florence Davidson at the studio, 80 V/est 40th Street, New York. After lunch
I had the excitement of passing my hand over Jo's latest adventures in sculp-
ture -- a wonderful statue of Thoreau which corroborated my impressions of hi®,
and a breath-taking bust of the soldier in the British film "Desert Victory"
who v/as ordered to fire, and whom a terrible fear gripped for a second before
his soul leaped equal to the ordeal. There was also an admirable likeness of
K'adame Chiang in whom I thou,]ht I detected a blending of Madame Recamier's
rare beauty and Clare Luce's unscrupulous, cold brilliancy.
Folly and I can hardly wait to see you and Robert, there is no end to what
we v.'ant to hear and to discuss. The iniquities of the present Congress, Irof.
Salvemini's revealing article, "Freedom of Religious Worship in Italy," exposing
the stupidities of the Barbara n'ard's splendid article on the critical state
of mind among young people in Britain, the heroism of the Yugoslav Patriots
and the whirligigs of intrigue and demagogy that rise like dust around the glo-
bal conflict cause my brain to reel at times, but 1 continue trying to think
my way through the labyrinth with the Ariadne thread of faith and courage.
Until we see you, Polly and I wish you and Keith, and so does Herbert,
a brave New Year, restored health and the gladness of victory for humanity.
Lovingly your friend
Arcan Ridge, Westport,
September 18, 1944.
Dear Nella,
Your letter was another evidence of the loyal friendship and conscientious
care with which you lead me to weigh my public acts and utterances before I commit
them irrevocably. Just to make sure that my "wild, strong will" does not run a-
way with me and overturn the chariot of the American Foundation for the Blind,
which drives it anyhow out of harm's path, I have again examined the possible con-
sequences of casting my vote for F. D. Roosevelt, and I shall march up to the
cannon's mouth Just the same.
Seriously, Nella, my voting for Roosevelt seems to me no worse than taking
part in this War after I had been a pacifist from my youth up. I still feel like
a deserter, and I know that the conflict began as a rankly imperialistic one,
but what could I do when it appeared to develop into a peoples' war of liberation?
Oh not I do not mean to imply that I look upon Roosevelt as a leader of the
masses. As I told you that day at the Harvard Club, I do not think America has
had a genuine people's president since Lincoln's day, and the people's party
does not yet exist which would command my allegiance. Also I realize that it
is impossible for even the greatest statesman or one nation to steer a frenzied
world beating itself against destitution, rabid nationalism and ignorance. I
am voting for Roosevelt because I believe he is sincere in advocating comprehen-
sive policies for international cooperation out of which alone a stable, pro-
gressive world can arise. Reading his own words, "World collaboration must be
the people’s doing," I feel that he recognizee hie limits and America’s, and
surely it does take a kind of greatness to make such an admission in a cruelly
slanderous csunpaign.
Besides, despite apparent glaring inconsistencies in his attitude towards
the people, I am sure if Roosevelt is reelected, his administration will con-
tinue at les^ tolerant of the labor movement whose steady growth is essential
to America’s higher democracy and closer union with other countries.
Yes, this seems to me the most critical period in human history, and every
bit of courage and decency counts in grappling with it. You say the War crisis
2
impresses you as "having been a-brewing for twenty years." Isn't that true of
every momentous crisis? It has grown out of multitudinous seeds of error, stu-
pidity and misrule until we realize that it must be uprooted, or it will
strangle civilization. Anyway, this crisis grips me with the necessity of help-
ing to quench an all-pervading conflagration. A bucketful of water is small,
and so is a vote, yet how mighty the aggregate of votes may be to check appalling
fascist influences in this country, carry on the War to complete victory and
extend the international agreements we must have for post-war reconstruction.
My conscience will not let me off from voting so long as I see an added chance
of world betterment in Roosevelt's leadership during the next four years.
It is perfectly true that my work 'or the blind is a trust, and in order to
fulfil its duties justly I must keep it as the centre of my external activities.
But it has never occupied a centre in my personality or inner relations with man-
kind. That is because I regard philanthropy as a tragic apology for wrong condi-
tions under which human beings live, losing their sight or hearing or becoming im-
poverished, and I do not conceal this awkward position from anybody. One can, and
does dishonor one's trust through suave compliance quite as much as through lack
of considerate caution. There is an even higher trust — to keep my essential
freedom so that wherever possible I may release fettered minds and imprisoned
lives among the blind, let alone those who see.
Vfhat I am going to say is not connected with the vote or the blind, but it
may show you why I agree with Emerson that "our culture . . . must not omit the
arming of the man, (but) let him take both reputation and life in hie hand, and
with perfect urbanity dare the gibbet and the mob by the absolute truth of his speech
and the rectitude of his behavior." Of course his words are to be taken symbolic-
ally, as those extremes come to few outwardly, but millions upon millions are now
facing them inwardly, and I bow to them reverently. They, not I, have become
"world figures," even though their names may not be listed. Because they suffer
long and perish rather than be slavish and treacherous under one tyranny or another,
they wake faith that never slumbers again and nobility which we too easily allow to
rust within us. Once those multitudes mostly followed a narrow, peaceful orbit,
yet they tempered their characters to steel trueness by exercising simple, high
instincts in humble duties. Evan so I believe in firmly retaining sentiments that
3
will etr0n.<then me for the tumult or possible criticism by others in pursuing an
unusual path I may choose •
l^et week Polly and I visited Margaret Sanger. We had met her before at Joseph
Lewis’s, and she had charmingly invited us to spend the night with her in her home
on the Hudson. I had wanted to know her for many years, and when the crisis of con-
tact came, her warm, rich personality justified my enthusiasm. She is indeed a truly
great soul. Her instructive talk confirms my ideal as I picture her, despite impri-
sonment and calumny, choosing her own destiny and enabling unnumbered women to take
independent charge of their lives and ensure the improved health and joy of their
children.
Margaret was to give a birthday dinner in memory of her husband, Ur. Slee, who
had died a year before, Polly and I were moved that she should include us in an
anniversary so sacred to her. The setting in which we celebrated could not have been
more satisfying. The house, Willowlake, was given Margaret by Mr. Slee, and is a
replica of Shelley's picturesque Sussex home. The stones were carefully selected,
and the glass-leaded windows were brought over from England. The grounds, contain-
ing a hundred and ten acres, beautifully wooded, slope down to the darling lake
from which the place gets its nsune.
The festive ensemble was a delight -- a cosy fire bringing out the soft colors
of the stone walls, the laughter of Margaret's grandchildren playing from room to
room, the tall candles and rose garlands on the table. As we ate turkey and drank
champagne to Margaret's beloved "departed Guest," the conversation sped from one
topic to another — birth control and the powers of darkness opposing it, dis-
tinguished negro writers, artists and scientists, the pros and cons of voting for
P, D. Roosevelt. Margaret Sanger's antagonism towards the Roman Catholic Church
as an organized despotism was plain to see, and I chimed in heartily, though pri-
vately. That is one of the perhaps too few pies into which I don't put my finger,
for obvious reasons. I serve the blind of every sect, and I have a spiritual mes-
sage of my owrn to impart. Besides, I think it will take the Catholics themselves to
break up that deadly miasma which multiplies ignorance and faith without reflection.
I have great confidence in the courage of men and women like Professor Salvemini,
Mr. Estrada of Argentina, whom we met at Stuart Grummon's, and Constanzia de la
4
Mora to achieve this new deliverance for western peoples.
The following day Folly and I met Margaret and Pearl Buck at the latter's apart-
ment on Park Avenue, and I had my picture taken ith them. A reporter interviewed
Pearl Buck who talked most interestingly about the East-West Association and how it
provides ways for orientals and occidentals to learn about each other and bring about
a friendly understanding which may serve as a stepping-stone to world peace, you
are no doubt aware of one reason why the peoples of the East and the West are
hostile, because they are blinded by false propaganda and the prejudice it engen-
ders. Here is another subject into which I long to put my finger, but I have already
more interests than I can squeeze into a working day of fifteen or sixteen hoursi
and you know how the "Teacher" book hangs over my head like Damocles's sword.
Saturday night Bob Irwin telephoned that he would get in touch right away with
hospitals I may visit. You will sense what an element of uncertainty such a
prospect throws into one's daily program.
Well, the weather here has done its damnedest, storming, deluging, disorgan-
izing telephone wires and laying low many precious trees all through Westport.
Arcan Ridge was hard hit too. Several big trees were broken in two, and we were
without electricity until yesterday afternoon. Herbert is just back from a
richly deserved two weeks vacation, and I am sorry for him as he goes over the
place, the extra work to be done must discourage him after all the labor and
care he has expended upon it. He feels that it is two steps forward and one
back. Still, we shall manage, as we usually do. I wonder how it fared with you
on Foes Mountain.
There is more to tell, but it will keep until we three can talk again,
and I must send off one of the messages for the handicapped which elect to inter-
vene when I am greedy to buckle down to the book.
With Folly's love, and hoping that your father suffers less now, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
Helen. Kellec
Westport
Connecticut
January 12, 1946.
Dear Nella,
■^^hat a beautiful thought you sent to sweeten
our Christmas I
The handsome silver tray caused Folly and me to
give an excited little gasp when v/e discovered it
under the tree v.'hich Herbert's artistic hands had de
corated for us wanderers. The symmetry and exqui-
site smoothness of the tray start tingles in my
f ingei'-tips, and are a delight to Polly's searching
eye. But, Nella, as we sat cosily Christmas morn-
ing around the festive table bearing the tray with
coffee and Teacher's Chamberlain China, the dearest
emotion we felt was stirred by che love that had
prompted you to make a home with us for a wedding-
gift associated with the happiest event of your life
Vi'e shall alv.'ays cherish it as your treasure.
You make me glov/ with your approval of my arti-
cle on hospital visits. That too is a precious bond
for it commemorates your encouraging me in a new ad-
venture which I v.'ould have considered any one mad to
prophesy. Yes, you did a "Coeur de Lion" jaunt in-
ducing me to shoot the rapids on a powerful river of
experience I had never charted. Seriously, you are
Helen. Kellec
Westpoct
C^ruaectient
part of a magnificent denouement in the drama begin-
ning with Teacher’s drav/ing me out of the rushes of
dark silence and shaping my slow speech for an unknown
mission. Reverently I take the oar, "strong in will
to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield" until
the boat anchors in Ood’s Harbor.
f'ith eager anticipations of our foregathering
with you and Keith next "ednesday, I am,
ncrl tr trniir' f* r* •? aviH
Arcun Ridge, estport, September 22, 1946.
De&r Nella,
The summer has come and gone bringing us your welcome, news-crammed
letters, and nat a ward have I written you! But your heart tells you, I
know, that you are never far from my thoughts, and I will not waste
words uselessly trying to appease my scolding conscience with apologies.
First, Folly and I thank you for the proud joy we had reading the
citation in honor of Robert Braddy for his fine achievement as commander
of the "Mansfield," his high strategic skill and devotion to his men.
More than ever I glow at the memory of the commissioning of the "Mans-
field" in Boston. I was sura then that Robert would grandly cleave his
way through other seas of difficulty, and I can divine his satisfaction
of having given his all as he again steers his course in home waters.
V'e are glad you are at last getting some rest in the health-giving
aura of Foss Mountain. You will, I am sure, need every bit of that
heavenly ozone to keep pace with the exacting tasks and rich interests
that crowd your days in Garden City. We can hardly wait until we see
you on October 5th, and hear the thoughts v/ith which your mind is evi-
dently brimming over, and cover in talk distances of emotion and ex-
perience that outrun epistolary limits.
How happy 1 am over the news of your friend's generosity to the
handicapped in whose release my own freedom is blessed! If the money
is allotted to my work for the deaf-blind, it will be as dew upon my
sore tried spirit in the too slew process of drawing one of the last and
least noticed groups whom good-will seeks out into the fold of human fel
lowship and restorative self-help.
Now for the flight to Britain. I cannot say the prospect elates me
It will moan heartache as I sense over there gusts from the orld's
distress, famine, hope of peace deferred and international discord.
But I fool a deep necessity of going. The American Foundation began
early this year a drive through the Foundation for the Overseas Blind
to aid the destitute sightless of Kurope, and I am expected to make fur-
ther appoals on their behalf. I receive constantly piteous letters from
the European blind begging help, and by going te England and Paris, where
the headquarters of the Foundation for the Overseas Blind are, I think I
can gather firsthand informatien which 1 must have in order to lay their
desperate needs before “.he American public affectively and raise funds
for their relief.
As Felly told you, we are flying by Pan- American Air-ways to London,
October 16th, and later to Paris where I shall no doubt obtain valuable
counsel from Mr. Raverat, who is in charge of the work for the Blind of
Europe, and perhaps meet a number of the war-blinded servicemen. We do
not yet know what our program in London will be, but re shall probably
visit the National Institute for the Blind and Et . Dunstan’s. We shall
also run up to Scotland to see our friends and Polly’s family, to whom I
am bound by such tender remembrance and grateful affection. Our return
to America will be on December 20th. I imagine it will be another pen-
sive Christmas, shadowed by a fuller realization of the wreckage, human and
meral, strewing earth, but the thoughts it evokes will surely prove the
grass-roots of batter service to others and happiness in driving dark-
ness further back everywhere.
The gathering at Danbury to urge justice to negroes of Connecticut
was impressive. Leslie Carter made a splendid speech that encouraged mo
mere than anything I had heard or read on negro emancipation for a long
time. Another able man. Rabbi Molino, spoke eloquently. It was sweet to
think of your responsive sympathy when I gave my little talk, which seemed
well received. To my delight Marian Anderson was in the audience, and I
was introduced to her. We all had supper together with Stuart and Sandra
Grummon. There was no opportunity to have Marian's moving voice vibrato
in my fingers, but perhaps there will be if Folly and I can accept her
invitation to her house before wo leave.
As you Can easily surmise, what I said at the Danbury meeting was
only a sign of the unquenchable shame I feel over the situation of our
colored people today. This revolt has never slumbered within me since I
began to notice for myself how they are degraded, and with what cold-
blooded deliberation the keys of knowledge, self-reliance and veil paid
employment are taken from them, sc that they may not enter the gate of
social competence. I cannot forget my humiliation when a colored teacher
of high culture and noble dignity who called on me at a hotel in a
Southern city was ordered into the freight elevator. It stabs me to
the soul to recall my visits to schools for the colored blind which
ere shockingly backward, and what a hard struggle it was for them to
obtain worth while instruction and profitable work because of race pre-
judice. The continued lynchings and other crimes against negroes, whe-
ther in New England or the South, and the unspeakable political exponents
of white supremacy, according to all recorded history, augur ill for Ame-
rica’s future.
Then I have had a glimpse into another abyss of evil learning how a
police officer blinded a colored veteran, reportedly "in self-defence,"
An atrocity of such an ultimate nature is not only an impeachment of the
inertia through which it occurs, it also indicates an undercover of
moral infection by traitors to Christianity and to the whole democratic
spirit in the best traditions of America — a sinister danger of our
being dragged down to the standards of the Middle Ages when torture and
mutilation were openly practiced and legally approved J
No sooner had 1 heard that report than there blazed up in me the
concentrated horror and fury that I experienced as a child reading in
"King Lear" the scenes where the Duke of Cornwall says to Gloucestor,
"Upon those eyes of thine I'll set my foot.
Out, vile jolly!
Where is thy lustre now?"
and Gloucester replies to the crazed King when asked to read a challenge,
"Were all thy letters suns, I could not see."
But I cannot bear to pursue longer the similarity between Shakespeare's
lightning drama and the diabolical reality at Aiken, North Carolina.
However, I cannot help adding that the rights of the blind, the deaf
and other handicapped groups are invaded wherever brute force defies the
law to aiaim a limb or put out an eye, then calls its conduct "self-
defence."
Friday night I was stunned by the radio announcement of Henry
Aallace's forced resignation after the President had publicly approved
the Madison Square Garden speech, and professec respect for the right
of the Secretary of Stats to express his views. The indignant remarks
of various commentators bore out my feelings with regard to the Adminis-
tration, which has never given ms the slightest cause to renounce my ex-
treme left-wing views. I have long suspected that both the Democratic
and the Republican parties, backed by high financiers and other powerful
vested interests, are working towards imperialism, and now the proof
glares ms in the face. You know what potential explosions that trend
contains. The American people including myself have, I think, been
ignominously slow about supporting Wallace in his strugale to check the
disgraceful squabbles between the supposed Allies and restore F. D.
Roosevelt's magnanimous foreign policy as a counsellor and friend of
mankind. True, it is hard for a war-weary generation to stand on guard
against those whirlwinds of reaction, but vigilant st sadf^^stness is our
only sure citadel from which we can break the force of their onset . Now
we must pay for our weakness of the flesh by facing a worse affliction.
For a protracted season, I fear, the dark gods whom Alexander the Great,
Genfrhis Khan, Hitler and Mussolini invoked will again try to break open
the sanctuary where a new humanity is being moulded to spread over earth,
renewing an outworn social order, and to use it in their owr^ombat for
dominion. Regardless of ^’ate's warning, "One world or none," they will
bribe some with the slogan, "victory and plenty!" others with "plunder!"
and still more vith "Race superiority!" while they lay their nets to cap-
ture the resources multiplied by a thousand years that science and inven-
tion are amassing everywhere. Yet mightier giants will appear in the
earth and reach out rapacious hands unto the daughters of men. Under the
circumstances it seems blasphemy to talk about "making sacrifices" while
the ™. Of p.„.e p„u„„. „f t,,
.re .round „, ., th, .peot.dl, they beheld unroll, before „, ..
.uororo dividing the people, ., booty, prel.i,. ,f p,if .„d fe.r, le.rp.d
proetitutibg sbiene. to d.vl,. .till de.dller ...po„„ .u „p
.rr.yed In the .plend.r of victory, .p.ii, torn fro, the n.tion,. .tore-
houeee, the depth, of the ... .„d the very .t.o.ph.re, blood-red with
«yrl.d, of live. ...ted on battle-field,, in persecution .„d f.„i„,.
But .„tr.g.d .pint .„d nature ,111 .„r.iy r,....rt the..,l,e. .nd
set .right the plumb-line, by .hlch alone society. .tructur, can be
reared. It i. „„t f.ith I i.ck, it i, the dl.tying „,ar„e„ „f the pre-
cipice, above Which nobilltle. rise that appal, .. ,t pc,„„,.
*e had the intervle. .ith the representative fro. ..Coronet" la.t ,e,h.
»o, .he .ant, a colored photograph of me to go ,ith the article.
Se are trying to e„ Jo and norenc. David.on after their return.
It i, a relief to kno, that it wa, not necetsar, for your dear mother
to have an operation. I trust she keep, .. ..11 a. can be eapected.
about the trouble Ann had over transportation facilities when
eh, .a, taking Robert's children back to Seattle. But I kno. .he ...
greatly refreshed by her holiday with you.
Oh dear: the "Teacher" book will be at a standstill .gain. „o„ver, a.
Iphigenl. .ays, "Any road to any end may run." .nd in some way past hoping
1 -ey regain undisturbed leisure f.. the biography. i .. .ncn.„ted by the
beauty of Euripides', "Iphlgenla in Aulls." »en I 1„ college, 1 read
voethe', play „n the ..me .uoject, and, while p.ymg him the ..rmest ho.»re,
I consider it far from eou.l to Euriplde.'. drama in the coloring, of Creek
life, ritual and philosophy.
Until you, end Keith al.o, I hope, I .ith our love to you
both,
Affectionately your friend,
:0PY
On the train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka,
October 14, 1948
Dearest Nalla,
• • •
Now I simply must tell you about our visit to
Hiroshima jresterday. We are still aching all over from that
piteous experience--it exceeds in horror and anguish the
accounts I have read. Polly and I went to Hiroshima with Takeo
Iwahashi to give our usual appeal meeting, but no sooner had we
arrived than the bitter irony of it all gripped us oyerpowering-
, and it cost us a supreme effort to speak. As you know, the
city was literally levelled by the atomic bomb, but, Nella, its
desolation, irreplaceable loss and mourning can be realized
only by those who are on the spot. Not one tall building is left,
and v/hat has been, rebuilt is temporary and put up in haste.
Instead of the fair, flourishing city we saw eleven years ago,
there is only life struggling dally, hourly against a bare
environment, unsoftened even by nature's wizardry. How the
people Exist through summer heat and winter cold is a thought
not to be borne. Jolting over what had once been paved streets,
we visited the one grave — all ashes--where about 8.30, August
6, 1945, ninety thousand men, women and children were Instantly
killed, and a hundred and fifty thousand were injured, and the
rest of the population did not know at the moment what an ocean
of disaster was upon them. They thought that the two planes--
when they bombed they always came in numbers--v;ere reconnoltering
planes; so they were not prepared for the flash of light that
2
brought mass death. Aa a result of that inferno two hundred
thousand persons are now dead, and the suffering caused by
atomic burns and other wounds is incalculable. Polly saw burns
on the face of the welfare offlcer--a shocking sight. He let
me touch his face, and the rest is sllence--the people struggle
on and say nothing about their lifelong hurts. We saw a memorial
to the ninety thousand who perl shed- -a simple wooden shrine
where people of all sects lay flowers, and the ohintoists place
food, wine and incense.
And it was to those people that I made the appeal I ^et,
despite the consummate barbarity of some military forces of my
country and the painful wreckage upon the survivors, they
listened quietly to what I had to say. Their affectionate wel-
come from the moment I arrived until two hours la.ter, when we
left by ferry for Mivajima, v^ill remain in mir soul, a holy
memorv--and a reproach.
After the meeting Polly and I went to the City Office, and
there gifts were pourdd upon us out of the people's destitution
and sorrow. My pain made me almost mute, but I managed to tell
the Governor, the ilaj'^or and other representatives of the v/elcomlng
committee that a city which has such magnificent will to give
cannot really perish. "Hiroshima will rise mightier, fairer and
more thriving than before," I said, "beca\jse the agelong, dauntless
courage of ^‘ippon is in ’'■ou, and will renew your deep instincts
of home, workmanship and civic order. "Vou will give with a
higher motive, and with insigjot, so that all the unfortunate of
your may be helped, and the capable ones may take their places as
useful members of the community, and know the sweetness of God a
Gift of Life.
3
Folly tried to convey to me the sadness and horror in the
eyes of the people we passed. Only the children smiled. Altogether,
Nella, Hiroshima's fate is a Greek tragedy on a vast scale, not a
modern one, carrying; with it the burden of deliberate wrong-doing
or the far-seeing moral responsibility that inexorably summons our
democracies to the Bar of Jijdgment.
’^rom the Gltv Office we drove out to the Peace Tower in what
is to be a memorial park. What a tragic, noble symbol the Peace
T’ower is of new ideals and aspirations in a people trying to start
life afreshl A few years ago some of the Japanese people really
believed that they were destined to conquer the world by war and
to change the v?orld for the better. Now Hiroshima has experienced
the utter futility of war, as General MacArthur told me, and all
Japan is reaching up to a loftier courage — that of peace. Many
people stood with us beside the Tower. Their unsmiling silence
seemed to call for a v;ord of comfort. Ky message was to the effect
that the city had undergone an ordeal of fire, but the unsubduable
spirit of Nippon was strong in its shattered body, and by adopting
the principles and practices of true democracy it woijld attain a
higher greatness, and the Tower rising before us above the
desolation was a challenging evidence that Hiroshima was leading
’■’Ippon in the wa''’’ of disarmament and good-will. That meant that
the world, stirred by such a heroic example, would take a long
stride towards lasting peace, and then indeed Hiroshima's tragedy
would become a purification of its soul through brotherhood. I
left with a conviction that the splendor of a genuine victory
would belong to Hiroshima, not to America. Today I leai'n with
deep humllltv how touched the people of Hiroshima wer-e by my few
words, and as a result they are trying to put up a bell on the
4
Peace Tower which will ring to remind the city of its new mission.
It will require more- time than I have at present to express
rav emotions and thoughts on the subject as I want to, but I
believe that I have written you the truth nearer than what most,
of us Americans know. Certainly I am raw thinking about yesterday's
events, and more determined than ever to do what lies in my power
to fight against the demons of atomic warfare and for the con-
structive uses of atomic energy.
Kow we have been to Nagasaki, and it too has scorched a
deep scar in my soul. Only one-third of the city was demolished,
but the testimony to the atrocities of atomic combat is equally
damning. \le saw a monument marking the spot where the Bomb fell.
'lie walked through the mangled corpse of one of Japan's beneficent
enterprises--the medical college and the clinic where the patients
were killed by the bomb. Some of the buildings are being partially
repaired an'^ the hospital restored, but the wreckage still sends
up a its dumb accusation, even as the blood of the righteous Abel
cried unto the Lord.
I shoulf say the college v;as a fifteen or twent’f minutes'
drive from where the bomb struck, but the concussion was frightful.
Although the buildings which were of stone withstood the shock in
some measure, yet everything inside had been swept away. I felt
the walls bending like a reed in the wind, 'tie stumbled over ground
cluttered in every direction with foundation-stones, timbers,
broken pipe-lines, bits of machinery and twisted girders. I felt
sure that I smelt the dust from the burning of Nagasaki--the smoke#
of death. In that graveyard of a splendid establishment twenty-
four professors lost their lives. Surgeons were operating at the
5
time, and ths-^ and their patients perished together.
We shook hands with two professors who came to show us
around. Also we met a wonderful scientist, Mr. Kagal, who is
slowly dvlng from atomic radiation. Yes, ^ella, Polly saw him
dying with her own eyes, and was almost unable to speak or spell,
’^et out of his lighted face smiled a great, gentle spirit as he
talked with us. When I said to him, "How you inspire us, lifting
your soul up above the miseries of the fleshl" he replied, "My
body is consuming away, but I am free spiritually, and today,
besides being happy, I am fairly well because the sun is warm
and pleasant." With that towering faith in God and a virile mind
he is writing his diary, in which he calmlv notes the effects of
his disease, and he hopes that the Journal may be of vital service
to science when his hand can no longer hold the pen. He is not
expected to be alive after Christmas. This is murder lndeed--taking
not only the physical life of a young man, but also the potential
work wrapped up in him that would have thrown its light far into
the future.
Polly savs there has never been such revolt in her soul
before, and life vjIII not be the same for her after Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. For many years I have sensed profoundly the war-made
wrongs and crookednesses of mankind, but now it is more than a
feeling, it is concrete knowledge I h^ve gained and a stern resolve
to work for the breaking of barbarism and the fostering of
\
universal peace.
lovingly vour friend.
Signed Helen Keller
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT. CONN.
Nell& desLi’,
This is to hug you in thought and to say hov grieved
vve all are over Keith's suffering. I knov how troubled
and anrious you must feel, and how gree.t youi’ longing to
relieve him. V.lien we long to give ease to those we love,
it is hard to remember that tout passe. Put for Keith's
ss-ke you will be courageous and look forv.'erd to his ul-
timate recovery.
Thanks ever so much for your SU: gestions to improve
my article, especially et a time when your mind must have
been distraught.
Ho^.' good the big sun feels on ray back this morning!
I hops it is bringing comfort to you too.
Give our love to Keith, and receive a warm heart's
blessing from
Your devoted friend.
I
L
Arcan Ridge,
March eighth, 1949.
7111 SEMINOLE AVENUE
! 7
FOREST HI LLS. N EW YORK
Dearest Nella,
i'l'hen one's heart is overflowing with sweet emotion, written
words do grow cold, but I must try to tell you in soul language,
before we leave this noon, that your Nest of Peace is twice blest.
It blesses you who put us into it for six weeks' joy-gathering
and us who have revelled in its enfolding hospitality.
Every day here, Nella, has been an idyll of freedom both in
mind and body. New growths of thought, courage and will to coj>-
quer have '' greened," as the German phrase has it, in every nook
and corner of ray being. I am going away with a tender nostalgia
for the life I have tasted here exempt from the incessant swarm-
ing and buzzing of the huraan hive, but also with gladness that
these treasures of meditation, dream and happy simplicity will
be stored up imperishably in ny spirit.
How inundated we have been with every kind of beauty every
minute on Foss Mountainl Sunshine bewitching the weeriness
out of us. — - Rains that gave me the fairy thrill of dripping
like the wild-flowers at my feet. Unconfined winds annulling
the disparity between my lagging flesh and swift-flying spirit-
wings. — - Polly's fingers actually a-flutter with bird glimpses
and songs, her arms outstretched in eloquent gestures as she
watched the horizon or tried to picture to me the mountains at
sunset or when the lightning illumined them. Herbert's face
radiating health and zest in everything. The earth atune
V n I SEMINOl-E AVENUE
FOREST Hll_l_S.NEW YORK
with long grasses as I roamed and the white pines soughing
over me. But why run on end on? I am aware that every charm
of this retreat is mapped on your heart, I only want you to
know the boundless wealth of the gift you have bestowed u'-.on
your friends of many joumeyinga and Ulyssean labors.
'<Vith our threefold thanks, and with affection waiting on
the threshold to greet you and Keith, we are.
Lovingly and reraemberingly.
»
Snov/ville,
New Hampshire,
July eleventh, 1958*
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
January 15 , 19 60
Mrs. Nella Braddy Henney
111 5th Street
Garden City, Long Island, New York
Dear Nella:
Due to Polly's illness I have decided that all of my business
affairs should be handled by my personal trustees, James
S. Adams, Richard H. Migel, and Jansen Noyes, Jr.
I therefore desire to cancel the power of attorney granted
by me to you on March 5, 1948.
I am deeply grateful to you for all you have done to help
me with my books and articles.
Sincerely yours
Helen Keller
Witness
Witness
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Dear Nella:
October 11, I960
I am more sorry than words can express that I
have not thanked you for the letters you have vn'itten and
had put into Braille for me during many months. But strange
experiences have caused me to think deeply, i-.’ithout counsel,
and I am still trying to decipher their significance. After
all the years in which I have known you, it is wonderful how
much you have communicated to me countless subjects, and I
am grateful indeed.
I appreciate your kindness in wishing to remember
Polly in your will. There is one sentence in your letter vAiich
causes me to feel that you are mistaken with regard to Teacher.
So far as I know, nothing has been done concretely in her
memory. You know it was she who guided me through the diffi-
culties and complications I met when I decided to cast ny
life with the American Foundation for the Blind, It vras from
her vrisdom and understanding of the sightless that Polly gained
her ability to carry on our activities. We who knew and loved
Polly for her splendid, tireless efforts will always honor her,
but I cannot help feeling that Teacher's share in ny Founda-
tion enterprise was the most important part.
So many engagements are turning up before I go
south, I do not know if I can see you until I come back some-
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
time in the winter.
With affectionate greetings to you and Keith,
I am.
As always your friend.
1
HI
-Cr
►Hr
-r A
A copy or a letter 'eacher wrote to Irs. Hopkins a year after she
ca-Tie to me. John thouf;ht it a very yood letter, and dictated it to me,
so that I mi.-ht have it in Jraille. I think the original v/as in the
"box of letters that got soaked under the attic roof.
Tuscumhia, Ala., T.Iarch 4, 1888
Dear Hrs. Hopkins,
It was a year ago yesterday that I arrived in Tuscumhia? Did
you realize it?
How forlorn and weary I was nobody, not even you, can imagine.
I reme.iber how the conductor on the train from Chattanooga tried to com
fort me. He saw that I was crying, and stopped to ask, "Any of your
folks dead, young lady?" His -'oice was so kind, I could not help tell-
ing bim a little of my trouble, and he did his best to cheer me,
assuring me that I would find the southern people most kind and hos-
pitable. '.’/hen the train stopped at Tuscumhia, the thought flashed
through my mind, "Here I am more than a thousand miles from any hirman
being I ever saw before I" But somehow I was not sorry that I had come.
I felt that the future held something good for me. And the loneliness
in my heart was an old acquaintance . Anyway, I had been lonely all my
life. Hy surroundings only were to be different.
■"he first person who spoke to me as I stepped from the train was
Captain Heller. He said Hrs. Keller was in the carriage waitin'* for
me. Then she spoke, a great weight rolled off my heart, there was such
sweetness and refinement in her voice. It is a wonder how much of
^f^ra^t,^T^^and disposition is revealed in the voice. There is no
d*'Ubt in my mind that/ ice 4g' a-. tjwM^.^Tidex^^^character than the
face. Ib learn to control the expression of our features; '^iit
succeed in controlling their voices.
1 thouf>:ht, as we drove to my nev/ home, that the little town of
Tuscumhia was more like a village than a town; for the roads there
were no streets were lined with blossoming fruit-trees, and the
2
plou,-hed fields smelt rood. I think the earthy smell is the best
of all spring odors 1 "Certainly," I said to myself, "this is a
good time and a pleasant place to begin ray life-work." .Then Urs. Keller
pointed out her house at the end of a long, narrow lane, I became so exci
excited and eager to see my little pupil that I could hardly sit still
in my seat, I felt like getting out and pushing the horse along faster.
I wondered that Mrs. Keller could endure such a slow beast. I have dis-
covered since that all things move slowly in the South.
Then at last we reached the house, I ran up the porch-steps, and
there was Helen standing by the porch-door, one hand stretched out,
as if she expected some one to come in. Her little face wore an eager
expression, and I noticed that her body was well formed and sturdy.
?or this I vras most thankful. I fid not mind the tumbled hair, the
soiled pinafore, the shoes tied with white strings all that could
be remedied in time; but if she had been deformed, or had acquired any
of those nervous habits that so of tenac company blindness, and which
make an assemblage of blind people such a pitiful sight, how much harder
it would have been for me 1 I remember how disappointed I was when the
untamed little creature stubbornly refused to kiss me, and struggled
frantically to free herself from my embrace. I remember, too, how her
ea.:er, impetuous fingers felt my face and dress and my bag which she
insisted on opening at once, showing by signs that she expected to find
somethin;' good to eat in it. Mrs. Keller tried to make Helen under-
stand by shaking her head and nointing to me that she must not open the
bag, but the child paid no attention to these signs, whereupon her
mother forcibly took the bag from her. Helen's face grew red to the
toots of her hair, and she began to clutch at her mother's dress and
kick violently. I took her liand and put it on ray little watch and
shewed her that by pressing the spring she could open it. She was in-
terested inst.antly, and the tempest was over. Then she followed me up-
stairs to my room, and she helped me remove my thixx hat, which she put
on her own head, tilting it from side to side, in imlt.ation, I learned
afterwards, of her Aunt Hv. 'Then the hat was put av/ay, we opened my
bar, and Helen was much disa 'pointed to find nothing Tiut toilet arti-
3
cles and clothinr* 2he put her hand to her mouth and ehooh her head
with ever ^renter emphasis as she neared the bottom of the bag. There
was a trunk in the hall, and I led Helen to it and by using her si.^'ns
tried to tell her that I had a trunk like it, and in it there was some-
thin-'^ very -ood to eat. She understood; for she nut both her hands to
her mouth and went throurh the motion of eating something she liked ex-
tremal's then pointed to the trunk and to me, noddinv emphatically,
wh?ch meant, I suppose, "I understand you have some candy in your trunk,"
and she ran down-stairs to her mother, telling her by the same sivns
what she had discovered. This was ray introduction to that hit of my
life, out there on the piazza, building queer, shaky houses out of
blocks .
1 need not tell you, dear, that this has been a hard year; but I
do not forget the many pleasant spots in it. I have lost ray patience
and courage many, many times; but I have found that one difficult task
accomplished makes the next one easier. I^y most persistent foe is that
feeling of restlessness that takes possession of me sometimes. It over-
flows ?av soul like a tide, and there is no escape from it. It is more
torturing than any physical pain I have ever experienced. I pray con-
stantly that ny love -^or this dear child may grow so large and satis-
fying that there will be no room in ray heart for uneasiness and discon-
^tent .
And, dear, I am glad that my success has been such a ’"ratif ication
to you. I thank you from tlie bottom of ray heart for the mother-love
you gave me 'vhen I was a lonely, troublesome sch' ol -.'■irl whose tempers
must have caused you no end of anxiety. It is a blessed thing to know
that there is some one who rejoices with us when v;e are glad, and who
takes pride in our achievements. I know you feared that my quick temper
and saucy ton'^ue would make trouble for le here; but I rejoice to be
able to tell you at the end of the first year of my independence that
I have lived peaceePly with all men, except 'ncle '’rank, and all women
t'lo. 'here have been murder and treason and arson in my heart; but
they haven’t ‘ot out, than’xs to the sharpness of my '..eeth, which ave
o ten at 'Od nard over my ton ue. The a'ro ance of tlieoe southern
— - - - - ■ - . —
4
would think they had won every battle in the Civil V/ar, and the Yankees
were little better than targets for them to shoot at I But for all
that they are uniformly kind and courteous, and l shall remember with
gratitude as long as I live their gentleness and forbearance under con-
ditions that tried the souls of all concerned.
Indeed, I am heartily glad that I don't know all that is being said
and written about Helen and myself. I assure you, I knovi/ quite enou^i.
Nearly every mail brings some absurd statement, printed or v^ritten.
The truth is not wonderful enough to suit the newspapers, so they en-
large upon it and invent ridiculous embellishments. One paper has Helen
demonstrating problems in geometry by means of her playing-blocks. I
expect to hear next that she has v/ritten a treatise on the origin and
future of the planets I
We received a nice letter from liorrison Heady the other day. He
sent me a glove v/ith the letters of the alphabet printed on it so that
they correspond v/ith the tips and joints of the fingers. This glove
makes it possible for any one who can spell to converse with the deaf-
blind person wearing it. I thought the idea an excellent one, and im-
mediately taught Helen to use the glove. I cut out the letters of an
alphabet sheet and stuck them on the glove so that she could feel them
and learn the positions. Then I made her understand that if she remem-
bered the positions of the letters, she v/ould not need the glove at all.
Tuesday morning.
I did not have a chance to finish my letter yesterday. Miss Hv.
cam.e up to help me make a list of the words Helen has learned. We have
got as far as P, and there are nine hundred words to her credit.
I had Helen begin a journal March 1st. I do not knov/ hov/ long she
will keep it up. It's rather stupid business, I think. Just now she
thinks it great fun. She seems to like to tell everything she knows.
This is what Helen wrote Sunday:
"l got up, washed my face and hands, combed my hair, picked tliree
dew-violets for Teacher and ate my breakfast. After breakfast I played
with nry dolls a short time. Nancy was cross. Cross is cry and kick.
I read in my books about large, fierce animals. Fierce is much cross
5.
and strong and very hungry. I do not love fierce animals. I wrote
letter to Uncle James. He lives in Hotsprings. He is a doctor.
Doctor makes sick ones well. I do not like sick. Then I ate my dinner.
I like much ice cream very much. After dinner father went to Birmingham
on train far away. I had letter from Robert. He loves me. He said,
"Dear Helen, Robert was glad to get a letter from dear, sweet little
Helen. I will come to see you v/hen the sun shines." Mrs. Newsum is
Robert's wife. Robert is her husband. Robert and I will run and jump
and hop and dance and swing and talk about birds and flowers and trees
and grass and Jumbo and Pearl will go with us. Teacher 7/ill say, "V/e
are silly." She is funny. Funny makes us lau^. Natalie is a good
girl and does not cry. Mildred does cry. She 'will be a nice girl in
many days and. run and play with me. Mrs. Graves is making short dresses
for Natalie. Mr. Mayo went to Duckbill and brought home many sweet
flowers. Jlr. Mayo and Mr. Parris and Mr. Graves do love me and Teacher.
I am going to Memphis to see them soon, and they will hug and kiss me.
Thornton goes to school and gets hiS' face very dirty. Boy must be very
careful. After supper I played romp v/ith Teacher in bed. She buried
me under pillows and I grev/ very slov/ like tree out of ground. Nov/ I
will go to bed.
Helen.
00
',Ve are all looking- forward to Mr. Ana^noo'a visit. I have not yet heard frora him
about hia plans. I hope, however, nothing will prevent his starting on IVednesday.
The box came all right. Helen was delighted with the book because it v(as so
large.
I am ijOing to send you some ilowera in a law days. The garden is full of
hyacinths and crocuses and jonquils.
iiie are all making Ireyarations lor our trip north. ue shall spend a few days
in Aasiiin^ton and possiuly in baltimore. Oir jlan is to reach boston in time for
tne closing exercises,
I am reading whenever I get a chance "innocence Abroad." Ot's great fun, and
rests me. Y/herever you open the book, there's a good lau^, and next to slce-^- a
good laugh is the most refreshing thing in the world.
Last week Cajt. Keller had several gentlemen to dinner. The conversation was
as usual about the "late" war. This is one of the stories told during the evening.
If it is trije, some of our idols certainly have clay feet.
During the siege of Vicksburg General Grant had his head-quarters in the ceau-
tiful residence of one of the oldest and wealthiest fsuailies of the 3oth. They had
packed all their belongings, intending to leave the city if it fell into the hands
ol the latikees. uut somehow they did not hear of the Yankee victory in time to
make tneir escape before ueneral Grant and his officers rode up to their house and
deioanded its surrender. The men were away; but the ladies received them courteous-
ly, and ordered the servants to unpack the silver and linen, which they placed at
the disposal of the intruders. The family then moved up-stairs and left the lower
floor to their unwelcome guests. General Grant and his O- fiesrs repaid their cour-
tesyafter the mainer of Yankees they carried away the silver, not leaving even
a spoon, and everything else they covild lay their hands on, even the family Bible,
which Major P, declared he saw in the office of one of Grant's oi fleers years af^er-
wards. Did you ever hear of such an outrageous breach of hospitality?
/
Now, dear, I have written you a very long letter. I am sorry you will not
^et it at the usual time.
govifigly yours.
I
Annie Sullivan.
•. A ^
J
■ , ■■ ‘
L ^ ! tt-. / /- :.'
« ./ .
Dear Mildred,
'’orest Hills, June 9, 1933
if _ rf
r
/.. .•
i (-.1
•/ J /.* ■ 1 ^
V ' • , f J
u ■: U oC^ J - , /
I
ITella Henney was here last night, and we discussed her life of
Teacher. Me talked a good deal about ray family.
At the outset it is best that we all should understand the cir-
cumstances. Neither Teacher or I are responsible for anything con-
nected with the biography, except that Teacher most reluctantly gave > —
Mella permission to write it, and put into her hands whatever material
she had. It was represented to Teacher that if Nella did not write ’
the book, somebody else would do it, and that somebody might not be (XA
•v
kindly disposed towards us. Please bear in mind, Mildred, that we
J
have had nothing to do with Nella 's handling of the material. The
*
book is entirely hers, and we shall not get a dollar of income from it.'
• In your letter to Nella you say that a wrong impression of fa- , iT -
ther’s circiirastances has got abroad. This is the substance of what p ;
you wrote me in a Braille letter last ?'arch: ^
Yon are quoted as saying in "The Story of My Life" that father
was not v;ell off before he died. Many people in this part of the
country who knev/ father have read this and cornmented on it because
r
r='
t-
they know it was not true, but so long as it could not be helped, ■
said nothing. But novf Mrs. Kenney's letter has come, and I feel that' _
'( -
the time has come to speak.
..o’.v, in View or the facts in Hella’s hands, your remarks seem
contradictory.
You know it is a fact, ;..ildred, that Teacher never received a
dollar^ OJ' salary
j. . -
tr 88 , ' r ^ ^ •
Cccasi ona^'y^Fg/ I^ie'rpdnT1?^r>aVr BHSBIBBBC!
erpont i-orsan, Mrs. Alexander Graham Eeil,
iir. .7illiam Yade of Oakinont and Miss Annette P t)
, Anneae P. Hogers of Boston con-
ributed when an emergency arose like illness or a nr-P •
, , -Lxness or a pressing need for
W to an4;«e_a . - - ■ ^
- the apauldl^^r::;. It was heeauTe of
in me, and in -eaoher too. that IJr. Spaulding lent father fifteen
thoueand dollars. But later the heirs .ere rer. susplolous of this
loan, fhey declared that a i.n does not lend a stranger fifteen thou-
sand dollars without proper securities.
I-s. Laurence Hutton hne. that L^r. Spaulding had deposited nine-
2
teen thousand dollars in a Boston bank for Teacher and me to live on
while we were at the VVright-Hiufiason School for the Deaf. She wrote
to the heirs asking them to give her that siira to put into the fund
she was raising for us. At first they flatly refused, they said
there was no written evidence that their uncle had deposited any
such sum in that bank. Hov;ever, after various insulting remarks to
the effect that ,’eacher’s charms might have influenced Ibheir uncle
to make the^ ditaiiiui they sent her a check for seven thousand dollars,
which was put in with the fund for my education. At that time the
heirs thought they could collect the money father owed them from
his estate. This did not happen.
There is another matter which is on record. Mr. Spaulding
wanted Teacher and me to go abroad one summer, and she said she
would rather have a horse. He sent her a beautiful Kentucky saddle-
horse which cost three hundred and fifty dollars. The horse was
killed that winter by the railroad in Tuscurabia. Father collected
damages, but did not pay Teacher I I had never heard this until a
recent overhauling of documents brought it out.
For many years the people who made it possible for Teacher and
me to pay our expenses and do our work were very critical of what
they termed "the outrageous attitude” of my family. V/hen father
died, I was not at home. Although I was sixteen years old, yet I
never received a copy of his will, or a statement of what was in
it, except that mother told me he had made an equal division of his
property among his five children. I understood that no provision
had been made to pay Teacher's salary a paltry affair of three
J hundred dollars per year. The people to whom you once referred as
my "anxious friends in llew York" remember, they were paying
every cent for my education were determined that the will should
be investigated, and that I should have my share. They were anaced
at what they called the "monstrous" injustice that the one child
who was handicapped should be left to the charity of strangers,
but Teacher would not let them start anything. They said they
\
f
t
,„„ld bring suit to collect Teacher- s bach salary, but again she said
■ITo," and pointed out to then that no suspicion should be cast upon
ay family*
It has al-ays l-een said that peo^e. ”
year^ Urs. 'Untton worked very hard in-
fhat has been tnie^ aor years --rs
deed to keep Teacher and me going, and sometimes our ship would have
sunk if 1-rs. Thaw had not come to our assistance.
A great deal has been said about the generosity of Jir. H. K.
Ro':ers to me, and I am indeed grateful to him, but the sum he gave
was not extravagant — a hundred dollars per month for two persons
to live on. At his death l^r. Rogers Did Not Leave me Wealthy. He
left me six hundred dollars a year,' in trust with the Unitarian Asso-
ciation in Boston — and the principal will go to that society when
I die.
There are a number of letters in existence which substantia e
Statements amour them two in father's handwrltinr. one to
. rs- :.ou]cins and the other to -h". Anagnos. In doth letters lather
de:Tianded that he he given entire control of my income, from whatever
might come. You can imagine how the men who were paying
for my education reacted to this’. Father also said that he would
his ohli.'^ations^ From all this it does not look as if father died
d ^
fp^feacher and I did "wxliihit" ourselves in
u^le, v/e had no other sure means of support. I<Iy writings had not
';'s;ourht in enough. The money we earned lecturia^wsus. ^ent
in improving our house in 7rentham and paying debts incurred hy.. Johno^ '
One time when John ’vas'*'t!fer'Fit)ly* tr^set over Kis St. Botolph Club dues^>^’^
and Teacher v/as made ill by his anxiety, she told Miss Rogers about
it. Miss Rogers paid the dues to relieve us of the strain. I am t' cT —
ing you all this, Mildred, to shovf you that we had a hard row to hi Q-'
5'P^p
most of the time. ITo doubt, we might have managed better if we ha<f^
had ’’business sense." I do not have to tell you that Teacher and
r P
do not know anything about money, except to sneni it_»^ '
^
'Thile we were on the roadV moved to >oston. Owing ^to some ca
lessnens of his a ci -arette left burning, it was thou.:ht
the apartment on ^ire, and all our things were ruined. There \/as no
insurance .
There are letters from Cousin Leila, Aunt Ev, Cousin Sally ITew-
sum, Johnny Pope, Krs. Graves and I do not know how many more,
in which they said just what Teacher says, and what I know from my
ovm tactual memories, that I was "a wild, destructi/e little animal."
They told how I broke dishes and Isunps, how I put my hands into
everybody's plates, how I came into the parlor in my red flannel
underv/ear and pinched Grandma Adams, chasing her from the room,
which I remember perfectly. There is also a letter in which it is
said that Uncle Ered told mother never to bring me to Grandma's
Of course there was no Ilartha Washington, but there was a
little negro playroate I had corresponding to that character.
No, I do not forget that the year (1919) after the motion pic-
ture of "The Story of Uy Life" was made in California, mother sent
me fifteen hundred dollars, v/ithout a word of explanation, and I
returned nine hundred of it to her. And there is the quarterly
check from the Alabama Power Company, ( tv;-enty-nine dollars and
seventy-five cents) the source of which I do not know. You sent
me something from the sale of our house in Tuscumbia, but I will
not take time to look up the figures, you will knoyf. So far as I
can recall, that is all the money I have received from my fam.ily
in forty-five years.
Now, dearest Nildred, we must swallow our pride and the dis-
agreeable facts as they arise. Let us remember that denials, pre-
tences and family prestige get badly tattered in these scrutinizing
modern times. Even^ieens, you wTll ^recall Victoria states'
men and high divines are exposed ruthlessly to the searchlight of
publicity. No wonder I.iark Twain exclaimed, "Damn the ^ jpas^^IJ_ And
some one else or was it Hark Twain himself? has said, "a cele-
brity iwwn is a whole nest of scorpions in the family."
ITr . Anagnos made it his business to collect every written paragraph
about me because he believed that some day I would become "a
celebrity," and people would be interested in everything connected
5
■''’ears at;o I wrote to you about some of these matters, but you
and Phillips dismissed them without a comment. Wow they have sprunc
up with new vigor, and we are powerless to lay them.
Ve three are sailing for Scotland on the "President Harding"
'Wednesday, June 14th, if nothing happens. Polly is having diffi-
cultj>- securing her Re-Entry Permit. I have v/ritten to President
Roosevelt asking him to expedite the granting of her permit, and I
hope he will. If not. Teacher and I will feel it unwise to take
the trip.
Teacher v/ants me to tell you, she would write to you herself,
but her sight is now gone as far as reading and writing are con-
cerned. She did not know the letters I have mentioned above were
still extant. She also wants you to know that she shrinks more than
she can express from the publication of her biography. Her life
has not been a particularly pleasant one, and now it is ending as
it began, in misery. Cur only relief is flight overseas to the
hills whence cometh our help. Our address will be South Arcan, Muir
of Crd, Ross-shire, Scotland.
I have not the heart, dear, to tell you the little common things.
'<7e have vrorked ceaselessly for the Foundation since the 11th of
October. '.7e have gone east and west and south, travelling by train,
automobile or aeroplane. We have held eighty meetings, and the
harvest of dollars has been meagre in proportion to the tremendous
effort. The good-will of the people everywhere has been wonderful,
but you know how lean purses are, and how uncertain everybody is
about the future. Our own income has been heavily cut by the de-
pression, but that does not matter. My only concern is to get
Teacher as well as possible before the cataract operation takes
place, and to help others less fortunate than myself.
The inroads of a na -ging procession of belated letters and
articles have prevented me from sooner thanking you for trans-
cribing Frazier Hunt's two splendid articles. They encourage me..
more than anything else has for a long time in a world that nr M'wos
seems to be rushing straight into the dark.
6
I wish you COUM walk round with me In the tiny garden where I
find a bit of oonsolatlon. The air la heavenly with honeysuckle,
pinks and roses. A kind man in Hew Jersey has sent me a lot of ’
rose-plants, some of which grow beside my walk, and they are bloomine
•wonderfully.
I hope 3.0U are all well, and not feeling the heat as much as
we have since i.ay 1st. It has been something dreadful, and we are
limp and weary.
9Je^
/
Jlth love to you all dears, in which Teacher Joln^ I am,
A ^ ’
Always your affectionate sister
Helen
)
\
ULdUd H-cLm firC£iOA, ^ iX^CcOCU'cJL ^
YvciusV’ioC*:/^^ ^u&.^qXL- d u^Ul ,G ^
If, L ttlyo '^Jm ^
^ciJc iiMx - Tos^'i^hdii ItL xuicLcJm^ ’^AusiLucy l/- isiU^^ ^
Tn-naat. 11 a .T->'>na Q IQn rs f
forest gillsa June 9, 1933.
Cear Uildred,
Nella Hennsy vas here last night, and we discussed her life of Teacher.
MS talked a good deal about my family.
'll
At the outset it is best that we all should understand the circumstances.
Keither Teacher or I are responsible for amything connected with the biography,
except that Teacher most reluctantly gave Nella permission to write it, and put
into her hands whaterer material she had. It was represented to Teacher that
if Nella did not writs the book, somebody else would do it, and that somebody
might not be as kindly disposed towards us. Please bear in mind, Mildred, that
we have had nothing to do with Nella' s handling of the material. The book is
entirely hers, and we shall not get a dollar of income from it.
In your letter to Nella you say that a wrong impression of Father's
circumstances has got abroad. This is the substance of what you wrote me in
a Braille letter last March:
“Tou are quoted as saying in "The Story of My Life" that Father was not
weijL oil oeiore ne aiea. Uaay pvople In tbls part of the country who knew
lather have read this and commented on it because they know it was not true,
but so lon^; as it could not be helped, I said nothing. But now Mrs. Hanney's
letter has come, and I feel that the time has come to speak, *
Bow, in view of the facts in Bella's hands, your remarks seem contradictory.
You know it is a fact, Mildred, that Teacher nerer received a dollar of
salary after she and mother and I went to Boston in June, 1888. Occasionally
0 ;
C/i
Mrs. Pierpont Morgan, Mrs. Alexander Graham Bell, Mr. William Wade of Oakmont
and Miss Annette F. Rogers of Boston contributed when an emergency arose like
o
p
illness or a pressing need for books in Braille or to give Teacher and me a
holiday.
Then there is the Spaulding loan. It was because of his interest in me,
and in Teacher too, that Mr. Spaulding lent Father fifteen thousand dollars.
But later the heirs were very suspicious of this loan. They declared that a
man does not lend a stranger fifteen thousand dollars without proper securities
Mrs. Laurence Hutton knew that Mr. Spaulding had deposited hlneteen
9
A
'Si
2
tbooaand dollars in a Boston Itank for Teacher and me to live on while we were
at the Tlrlght-Hmiason School for the Deaf. She wrote to the heirs asking them
to giwe her that snm to put into the fund she was raising for us. At first they
flatly refused, they said there was no written evidence that their uncle had
deposited any such sum in that bank. However, after various insulting remarks
to the effect that Teacher's charms might have influenced their uncle to oaks
the loan to Father, they sent her a check for seven thousand dollars, which was
put in with the fund for my education. At that time the heirs thought they
could collect the money Father owed them from his estate. This did not happen.
There is another matter which is on record. Ur. Spaulding wanted Teacher
and me to go abroad one sunsner, and she said she would rather have a horse. Be
sent her a beautiful Kentucky saddls>horsa which cost three hundred and fifty
dollars. The horse was killed that winter by the railroad in Tuscumbia. Father
collected damages, but did not pay TeacherJ I had never heard this until a
recent overhauling of documents brought it out.
For many years the people who made it possible for Teacher and me to pay
our expenses and do our work were very critical of what they termed “the
outrageous attitude” of ny family. When Father died, I was not at home. Al-
thou^ I was sixteen years old, yet I never received a copy of his will, or a
statement of what was in it, except that noother told me he had made an equal
division of his property among his five children. I understood that no
provision had been made to pay Teacher's salary - — a paltry affair of throe
hundred dollars per year. The people to whom you once referred as my "anxious
friends in New York” - — remember, they were paying every cent for my education
were determined that the will should be investigated, and that I should have my
share. They were amazed at what they called the “monstrous" injustice that the
one child who was handicapped should be left to the charity of strangers, but
Teacher would not lot them start anything. They said they would bring suit to
collect Teacher's back salary, but again she said "No,” and pointed out to them
that no suspicion should be cast upon my family.
It has always been said that people “poured out money to me.” That has
NEVER been true, except in the case of Nr. Sptulding. For years Mrs. Hutton
3.
worksd very bard indeed to keep Teacher and me golni;, and eometiEose our ship
would have eunk if Mrs. Ibaw (lad not come to our assistance.
A great deal has heen said about the generosity of Mr. H. H. Rogers to ms,
and 1 am indeed grateful to him, but the sum he gave was not extrawagant —
a hundred dollars per month for two persons to live on. At his death Mr.
Rogers Did Hot lisave me nealthy. He left me six hundred dollars a year, in
trust with the Unitarian Association in Boston and the principal will go
to that society when I die.
There are a number of letters in existence which substantiate these state-
ments, among them two in father's handwriting, one to Mrs. Hopkins and the other
to Mr. Anagnos. In both letters father demanded that he be given entire control
of my income, from whatever source it might come. You can imagine how the men
who were paying for my education reacted to this.' father also said that he
would be obliged to exhibit me for money if he found no other way to meet his
obligations. Mother wrote a heartbroken letter to Teacher declaring that she
would die before this happened. The idea of shoving me off was suggested to
father by a proposal of B. f. Keith to pay me five. hundred dollars a week to do
his circuit, from all this it does not look as if “father died well off,“
does it?
Tears later, when Teacher and I did “exhibit“ ourselves in Vaudeville, we
bad no other sure means of support. My writings had not brought in enough.
The money we earned lecturing was largely spent in improving our house in
wrentham and paying debts incurred by John. One time when John was terribly
upset over his St. Botolph Club dues, and Teacher was made ill by his anxiety,
she told Miss Rogers about it. Miss Rogers paid the dues to relieve us of the
strain. I am telling you all this, Mildred, to show you that we had a hard row
to hoe most of the time. Ho doubt, we might have managed better if we hud had
“business sense. “ I do not have to tell you that Teacher and 1 do not know
anything about sionay, except to spend it. While we were on the road, John
moved to Boston, Owing to some carelessness of his - — a cigarette left burning,
it was thought set the apartment on fire, and all our things were ruined.
There was no insurance.
4
rrom th» year 1905, when Teacher wae married, until 1920, when I rose up
In my wrath and said John should not have another penny of my earnings, we were
constantly paying considerable sums for him - — for his family, for his tailors,
hlB books and a trip of four months and a half In Europe, and for any one ho
wished to assist, and Teacher even paid for his burial.
Jlnally, Ur. Carnegie came to the rescue, and things went better. I managed
to save a few thousand dollars which I put In trust for Teacher, who will get
nothing at all If I die first, as every one of the annuities I receive will then
cease. That saving was uqt desperate effort to make up for father's failure to
pay Teacher's salary.
Katurally, Nslla was somewhat surprised at what you said In your letter to
her "how beautifully we had all lived until father's death," and yet
strangers were paying for wy support and education. She has handled a very
difficult subject tactfully I think, and she has said as little as she possibly
could. Indeed, she would gladly leave It out altogether, but too many people
know about It, and others may write about It very unpleasantly and maliciously.
Teacher insists that two of the more implsasant letters be destroyed - —
those written by mother in which she denied that I was "a wild, uncouth little
creature" before Teacher cane to me, but Nella says she cannot, she has no
right to destroy anything In the possession of other people.
There are letters from Cousin Leila, Aunt Sv, Cousin Sally Sewsum, Johnny
Fops, Mrs. Graves and I do not know how many more. In which they said Just
what Teacher says, and what I know from my own actual msmorles, that I was "a
wild, destructive little animal." They told how I broke dishes and lamps, how
I put my hands Into everybody's plates, bow I came Into the parlor In my red
flannel underwear and pinched Graddma Adams, chasing her from the room, which I
remember perfectly. There is also a letter in which it Is said that Uncle Ired
told mother never to bring me to Grandma's house again In Meo^hls.
Of course there was no Martha Washington, but there was a little negro
playmate I had corresponding to that character.
No, I do not forget that the year (1919) after the motion picture of
"The Story of My Life" was sada In Celifcr-jla, mother sent me fifteen hundred
6,
dollars, without a word of explanation, and I returned nine hundred of it to her.
And there is the quarterly check from the Alabama Power Company, (twenty-nine
dollars and seventy-five cents) the source of which I do not know. You sent me
something from the sale of our house in Tuscumbia, but I will not take time to
look up the figures, you will know. So far as I can recall, that is all the
money I have received from my family in forty-five years.
Now, dearest Mildred, we must swallow our pride and the disagreeable facts
as they arise. Lst us remember that denials, pretences and family prestige get
badly tattered in these scrutinising modem times. Sven Qpeens, you will
recall Victoria — statesmen and high divines are exposed ruthlessly to the
searchlight of publicity. No wonder Mark Twain exclaimed, **Samn the pastj *
And some one else or was it Mark Twain himself? has said, "that a
celebrity is a whole nest of scorpions in the family." Mr. Anagnos made it
his business to collect every written paragraph about me because he believed
th?t some day I would become "a celebrity," and people would be interested in
I
everything connected with ms.
Tears ago I wrote to you about some of these matters, but you and Phillips
dismissed them without a comment. Now they have sprung up with new vigor, and
we are powerless to lay them,
te three are sailing for Scotland on the "President Harding" nedneeday,
June 14th, if nothing happens. Polly Is having difficulty eecuring her Re-
Entry Permit. I have written to President Roosevelt asking him to expedite
the granting of her peiWiit, and I hone he will. If not. Teacher and I will feel
it unwise to take the trip.
Teacher wants ms to tell you, she would write to you herself, but her sl<^t
is now gone as far as reading and writing are concerned. She did not know the
letters I have mentioned above were still extant. She also wants you to know
that she shrinks more than she can express from the publication of her biography.
Her life has not been a particularly pleasant one, and now it is ending as it
began, in misery. Our only relief ie flight overseas to the hills whence
Cometh our help. Our address will be South Arcan, Muir of Ord, Roes-shire,
Scotland.
6
1 iubv* not the heart, dear, to tell you the little common things, ht have
worked ceaselessly for the Foundation since the 11th of October, ifs have gone
east and west and souths travelling by train, automobile er aeroplane. We have
hold eighty meetings, and the harvest of dollars has been meagre in proportion
to the tremendous effort. Ties good-will of the people everywhere has been
wonderful, but you know how lean purses are, and how uncertain eveiybody is
about the future. Our own income has been heavily cut by the depression, but
that does not matter. My only concern is to get Teacher as well as possible
before the cataract operation takes place, and to help others less fortunate
than myself.
The inroads of a nagging procession of belated letters and articles have
prevented me from sooner thanking you for transcribing Frasier Hunt's two
splendid articles. They encourage me more than euaything else has for a long
time in a world that often seems to be rushing straight into the dark.'
I with you could walk round with me in the tiny garden where I find a bit
of consolation. The air is heavenly with honeysuckle, pinks and roses. A
kind nan in New Jersey has sent me a lot of rose-plants, some of which grow
beside ny walk, and they are blooming wonderfully.
I hope you are all well, and not feeling the heat as much as we have slnee
May 1st. It has been something dreadful, and we are limp and weary.
With love to you all dears, in which Teacher and Polly Join, I am
Always your affectionate sister
Helen
7111 deminole Avenue,
i'orest Hilln, Nevr York
iJovaraber 23, 1936,
Dear Bishop iVeenan,
As the mists of grief begin to lift from mind, I senye a
new wonder ?md meaning in the events of my life. There are three
,*ich stand out especially clear — the day when njy Ood-giTon teacher
found me in a dark, soundless, hopeless world, broke down the prison-
door and let light in to my soul, the day she was released from pain
unto eternal peace and Ifovember 2nd when you held an intimately
beautiful service in her honor in the Chapel of St, Joseph of Arimathea
at the Hritional Cathedral,
It makes me proud to know that Anne Sullivan Kacy is the first
woram thus to be ragognized for her own achievements. There could
not hrve been a nobler climax to her life of devotion and her gospel
of self-help for the handicapped, I thank you for a tribute to her
which will be recorded among the most finely perceptive praises she
has ever received. I treasure up in ray heart particularly your
moving words about her friendship, "reminiscent of Him who restored
man and woman to the normal ways and habits of life."
Strong with the conviction that she who has gone into the Light
and I who linger in the dark will be reunited, I am, with cordial esteem.
Sincerely yours.
H3LSH KSLLSR
The Manse,
Boti^^l, Scotland
c
0
p
y
June 22, 1957.
Dear Amelia,
Your letter to Folly hae just reached us in this delightful nook of
Nippon where the surroundings make a pleasure of each task. This comfortable,
hospitable inn seems all windows, and wherever Polly turns her head she looks
down upon a flash of color which is an azalea bush or a cascade of wisteria.
Shimmering silver birches give a spiritual delicacy to the garden, and with
each breeze I catch a fragrant message from the nines.
At si.ich times, Amelia, my mind is most reluctant to take up what
Stevenson calls the difficult business of “conducting life by letter",
but evidently our friends in America have received a very wrong impression
of the way things are going with Folly and me in Nippon, and there are some
facts I wish to make quite clear.
In the first place, it is not I but Polly who has been ill. len days ago
she came down with a very serious germ i; faction in her leg, and had to
remain in bed for a while. Two excellent physicians and two nurses worked
to fi^t the poison and renew the dressings every few hours, uou can imagine
my distress, and how thankful I was when she rallied in a shorter time than
I anticipated. We did not cable because we lon-w how much worse bad news
sounds at a distance than it really is, and s>urely you realize after many
years' experience how the newspapers garble even the simplest incidents of
our daily lives.
As it is, I have begged the "Asrhi" to rectify the stupid, unfounded
report that I "fainted end went ri^t on with a lecture." It was dear Folly
who went right on as soon as she was abl^o limp about, and that wus her own
etubbornness, not any one's wish. She still has to go to the hospital for a
trettment as we go from city to city, but she is im'>roving 'steadily.
I am hurt and indignant at the injustice of the implication in your
letter that we are being worked to exliaustion here. T'-° care and devotion
with which V.r. and Mrs. Iwaha^ — and there is no hy^^erbole in aaying the
nation — are watching over ua both is one of the most touching testimonials
to the goodness of the human I'.eart,
Kow that our anxiety is over, I am resolved not to return to America
until the work I set out to do for the handicapped of Nippon is finished.
It is the only weapon against the most desolating and life-wrecking sorrow
I have ever endured. Besides, my health continues splendid, and, as I
cabled Nr. Nigel, our programme has been greatly modified. In fact it has
been rather easy for some time back. We have rested in a number of hot
spring resorts, and many days when we travel there are no meetings. Nr.
Iwahashi relieves me of the enormous correspondence here in Nippon, and what
remains for me to do is No Heavier than what I had during the first few years
the American Foundation for the Blind was struggling to gain support as a
national agency.
When Nr. Nigel requested last February that the campaign for the blind
of Nippon be conducted under the auspices of the Japanese Government, (and
I am glad he did) the wo»i. automatically assumed larger and more exacting
proportions. The Tokyo and Osaka programmes were very strenuous. .V.r. Iwahashi
was not permitted to have a say in the matter. Those added burdens came as
a result of the recognition of my work by the Government. As soon as we got
away from Tokyo Nr. Iwahashi took the situation firmly in hand and cancelled
all our social engagements, and it is blioause our work has been slowed down
that we are staying longer in this country. He is taking us by easy stages
through the land, arranging rest periods oftener and crowding into our free
time the grandeur, the beauty, the artistic exquisiteness of Nippon. — Fujiyama
— Lake Biwa — Nara -- V.ount Aso — the Inland Sea, and now Hokkaido where
there are perhapa the most interesting antiquities I have ever seen.
But with all the letters to friends I have on my mind I can suggest to
you only this much of what a memorable trip this has been. Of course I shall
later try to tell Kr. kipel what can never be told in words — the boundless
hospitality, generosity and delight of a visit that is one of the most
beautiful chapters in my life-story.
As soon as we return to America in August Polly and I are taking the
train direct to Dallas where we shall stay with my brother, just how long
I do not yet know. I have changed my mind about motoring because the heat
at that time of year is terrific. Also we shall have a great deal of luggage.
All things considered, it seems more sensible to go by train.
I do not want the newspapers to pur sure us after our return. Only in
perfect freedom can Polly and I replenish our energies for next winter.
Here come our friends, all excitement because I have taken this time to
write to you, and we must start for the station. Already our la.~gage is
gone, and the car is at the door.
With our united love, and with the hope that you will soon take the
vacation you so richly deserve, I am.
Affectionately your friend.
OdsTtv fe>Gt<xJu>- ,
Hokkaido,
Japan.
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(cor>y)
J\in6 22, 1938
Dppr Mr. Mmile,
Your letter intererts me in a very special "ay. It is a distin^iished
comnliment to have you offer me the chance of writing Clara Barton's
hioaraphy. If it was possible, and if I had the biographer's
qualifications, I should nroudly att emnt the life of one "hose
noble wo rtc for friend and foe alike during the Civil War I have
always a.dmired. But, as you will readily understand, my tire is
too crowded with work for the handicapped for me to undertake
general writing, let alone the mass of research needed in order to
do the subject justice. Besides, I have already started other tasks
which will require much energy and mental concentration for months
to come .
Earnestly I hone a suitable person may be found to "rite Miss Barton's
life. In these distressful days of the w'orld we increasingly need
fine nersonalitiss above creed and nationalism to open wide spaces in
our hearts and minds.
Ihanking you for your friendly letter, I am, with kind greetings from
Miss Thomson,
Sincerely yours ,
Helen Keller
Snowville ,
New Hampshire.
9
His Excnllonoy John Lodpo,
Govornor of Conn,
Denr Governor Lodp;e,
Your letter is a beautiful deed. Not only have
your words of warm friendliness and appreciation given me
heartfelt pleasure, you have also afforded me an opportunity
to meet President Eisenhower,
I shall indeed be proud to have the President and you,
as it were, set the seal of your approval upon the docunentarj'
film, snd that will mean, I am sure, that it will spread more
widely the gospel of rehabilitating the blind and the deaf.
I do not^now when the film will be finished, but I shall
be delighted to come to the "White House any time, except the
last week in April when Miss Thomson and I ere scheduled to go
to South America on a tour in behalf of the blind,
Yfith warmest greetings and hig’":gt respect, I am,
vet
Sincerely yours.
"Westport, Conn,,
March eighth, 1953
Dear Van T/yck,
Your article, ishich was transcribed, has just come into my hands,
and I am delighted. It gives me a proud, happy feeling tiiat you write
about one whom you know intimately — a home friend and a simple human
being,
I have had just one or two friends who could like j^ou forget
my pubjic life and write down notes of my off-hand sayings and doings.
You represent me. Van Wyck, in a marmer that flatters and tickles my
amour- propre deliciously! But seriously I felt free with j’-ou as I
read your article as I do when we sit together, and I thank you for
your wish to introduce me informally to a circle of friendly readers.
I hope you will not mind several corrections in the list I en-
close which seem to imply an underestimation of my teacher’s
personality. She was a woman of such rare combination of qualities
and abilities that even I who loved and knew her best am baffled in my
efforts to present her as she really was, I can hope only for a word
portrait of her in the "teacher book" which may win for her the love
that she so amply deserves.
Until we see you and Gladys, I am, with our affection to you both.
Your friend.
August ninth, 1953.
Corrections
Pago 1.
There is no impropriety in mentioning President Eisenhower, but I
feel that his name ought to be omitted because Polly and I do not
know if or when he is to receive us at the White House,
Page 2. (?)
"She had early learned geography” —
It was not "relief" maps like those at the Perkins Institution, but
maps that Teacher made out of clay or the sand on the banks of the
Tennessee River along which we rambled.
Page 2,
Alemnder Graham Bell was there with her and described
some of the sights in the deaf-and-dumb "system,"
Page 2,
2nd the only one so handicapped who has ever become a thoroughly well
educated person, "except perhaps Robert Schmidas who graduated last
year from St, John’s University,"
Page 2,
After fallen angel. In her these are exceptionally" acute etc.
Page 3, (?)
No, I did not study astronomy,
I did not write in French until long after my eleventh year.
Page 2,
I cannot imagine myself as "racing ahead of Teacher," It was her
wonderful perceptiveness that enabled her to keep up with and outstrip
me in supplying my intellectual needs as they arose.
Page 4. (?)
After "before she found herself at the Perkins Institution" etc.
Teacher told mo about her little brother Jimmy and one or two poor
children she had known, but not about Tweksbtary or the almshouse
until she was over sixty years old. In the fact that she kept her
"dark knowledge" from me all those years and thus avoided jarring
the harmony of my philosophy of life I see another proof of her great
soul.
Page 4,
The truth is, the Perkins Institution had only a slight influence upon
my mind, except in matters concerning the handicapped. It was not
until years afterwards that I understood Dr. Howe's many philanthropies
and read about Abolition, the Civil War and the problems of labor.
1910 is the year vrtien I became a conscious radical..,.,
Pago 5.
Mrs. Matilda Pfeiffer does not remember singing any such Italian song
as "Bisogna, Bisogna,"
Page 5,
The statement about my recognising music is exaggerated. By listening
intently I can recognise and enjoy Beethoven's "Ninth symphony," but
not his other symphonies.
Page 6. (?)
As a matter of fact, black often suggests tragedy to me, as in "the
blackness of misanthropy" or "the black pinions of melancholy or "my
sins as black as the wings of a crow," Oily when an artist softens
black or blends it with other colors can I be reconciled.
Page 7,
Polly and I spoke at the Tuskegee Institute, but I never met Booker
T. Washington. I admired him for the shrewdness and skill with which
he trained Negroes to be mechanics and ply trades. However, it was
George Washington Carver that embodied my ideal as a great leader of
the Negro race, a deep- though tod scientist and a magnificent human
being.
Page 7 or 8,
The cedar rail is a quarter or a third of a mile long.
Page 7 or 8.
Pollj' and I met Sophie Tucker first when we were in Vaudeville, and
we kept up a cordial friendship with her ever afterwards. "Naughty"
was the word she used.
Page 8 or 9,
Alas! Only part of the sheets were saved from my epic poem of 1912.
Page 9,
I an not sure about the exact spelling of Evelyn Cheeseman's last name,
but the rest is correct.
Page 9 or 10.
I used to have time for "solitary meditation in the dark", but years
of incessant work have brought me a sense of responsibility and anxiety
to meet it with flying colors, and my early morning walks when I am at
home bring me the only care free hours.
Page 10,
seems to me best to leave out any reference to Monserrat’ s book.
If one’s conscience is clear, one can live down any attempt to
discredit one's life.
C 0 i' Y
Dear Iilr. Migel,
It was a pleasure to see you again last Thursday, and Polly
and I regretted that our greetings were so briqf, owing to the
lateness of our arri-val.
We hoped that you would be at your office when we called
yesterday. But we are glad to think of you as enjoying the
inexpressible October loveliness of the country. Perhaps you
will let us know after you get back to New York when we can have
a real talk with you. There will be your news for us to hear.
Some matters connected with my work have come up, and I
should liice to discuss them with you confidentially. It is a
comfort to have a friend to turn to when one’s affairs seem
tangled and difficult, and I am sure you will find the right
way for me to follow.
It will be wonderful if Hr. Ziegler can take comsel with
us. He is another friend whom I honor and trust. Will you
kindly arrange with him to meet Polly and me at your office the
week of November 9th?
With Polly's and my love, I am.
Affectionately yours,
(signed) Helen Keller
October twenty-fourth, 1953,
C 0 F Y
Dear Mr. Ziegler,
Polly and I were delighted to see you again at 15 West ISih
Street last week and to have a pleasant chat with you after the
presentation of the medals. It was good also to see Mr, Migel,
It was Just a glimpse we had of you, but it meant much to me.
I realised, as I often do, how fortunate I am to have you both as
friends and as trustees, and it is in this spirit of appreciation
that I write to you today.
The love of my work for the blind prompts me to seek your
counsel. Thera are some problems connected with this work which
have perplexed me for some time, and I should like to discuss
them with you confidentially. They are of such a nature that it
is not easy to put them into a letter, and since you are President
of the American Foundation for the Blind, you will, I am sure, let
me talk over those matters with you and Mr. Migel, I am writing
to him also asking if he will arrange for you to meet Polly and me
at his office. Of course we will come to New York any time that
suits you both.
With affectionate greetings from us both, I am.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) Helen Keller
October twenty-fourth, 1953,
What I intend to say to Mr, Ziegler and Mr. Migel
What I want to talk with you about is the Foundation for Overseas Blind
and its present status.
Since the American Foundation for the Blind of the United States has
been financed to carry on its activities, I have felt free to work for the
Foundation for Overseas Blind whose world outlook has always had a special
appeal for me. ,I believe that it can and should play an increasing tole in
world-wide movements, but I have noted obstacles that stand in the way of its
greater efficiency and expansion.
For instance, I constantly receive mail from people who are bewildered
with regard to the nature of the two foimdations and who ask me to allocate
their gifts to "whichever service to the blind you consider worth while."
That state of affairs troubles me very much. I know that when we had only the
American Foundation for the Blind, it enjoyed public confidence because it
was evident that it was not controlled by, or under obligation to any one.
But I have learned through correspondence that there is a growing confusion in
the public mind as to the relation between the American Foundation for the
Blind and the American Foundation for Overseas Blind, It seems to mo, this
confusion arises from the fact that the two organizations have similar names,
a similar letterhead, the same executive director, the same officers and part
of the same personnel.
You, Mr, Migel, will recall that the Foundation for Overseas Blind was
originally created by William Nelson Cromwell to serve all the blind of the
globe as the Universal Braille Press, For thirty years it was independent
administratively and economically, but at the end of the second World War
it was left with an inadequate staff and insufficient funds. Ihen the
American Foundation for the Blind stepped in and gave tAmporary assistance
by providing accomodations and the part-time services of some of its members
for money-raising and other duties involved in work for the blind abroad.
2
However, — and as far as I know this has not been made clear ~ the
last few years the Foundation for Overseas Blind has had its own staff,
conducted its own finances and carried out its program without the aid of
the American Foundation for the Blind. Besides, its financial and professional
security has been further strengthened by the recent incorporation with ihe
Institute for the Chinese Blind. Since it has stood up so nobly to its under-
takings, I feel strongly that the time has come for it to regain its inde-
pendence. That will be one way to dissipate the doubt and suspicion regard-
ing the two Foundations and restore general confidence in their integrity,
Hhat finer memorial can there be to Mr. Cromwell in whose heart burned an ever
remembering generosity for the sightless of the earth. I cannot forget the
passionate earnestness with which he poured out his desire that I travel a-
oross the globe in the Interest of all the blind, regardless of race, creed
or color. The same longing was in mo, and, spurred by his words, I hold it as
a trust to accomplish all that I can for the blind of humanity.
Now 1 wish to ask a question or two about events which have lately oc-
curred at the American Foundation for the Blind and which make me uncertain
about my position there.
At first I was happy under the new Executive Director, who was most oom-
mxmicative with me. He was full of plans and hopes for working out an idea-
rich program. The atmosphere at the office was cheery and vibrant with the
spirit of cooperation. But for months the attitude of the Executive Director
towards me has been different. He seems to have ignored me as Counsellor of
the American Foundation for the Blind on International Relations, — an
honor which I owe to you, Mr, Migel, I wonder what has caused this change.
Certainly he has said very little about my tour of the Near East or Latin
Asierica, and never shown interest in work for the blind abroad. In fact I
have heard indirectly that some of my Foundation for Overseas Blind functions
have been credited to the American Foundation for the Blind, thus adding to
the bewilderment of contributors and the press. If that is true, is not there
5.
a way in which it can be corrootodT Iben there appears to have been
a constsmt, planned removal of Foundation members in whom I have trusted,
and nothing has been said to me about the matter, I wonder, friends,
whether it has been wise to dismiss so many people who are familiar with
the work for the blind and to install newcomers who do not seen to have the
requisite experience or qualifications for that sort of service, Naturally
I cannot act with assurance in such a maae of contradictory impressions and
the \mdercurrent of misapprehension.
Will you not, dear friends, counsel me so that I may steer my course
and continue to be of use to the blind throughout the world in accordance
with Mr. Cromwell's wishes and my universal sympathies?
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Dear Mr. Sarnoff,
I have been thrilled to hear of your lofly
courage in coming forward with your vision and
yoar great organization to give truth a chance
to be heard on the radio and television.
This is a tremendous crisis in United
States history when there can be no debating
ground between the freedom of a people and the
endeavors of a single man or a group to bully
and terrify them into dictatorship and the
fires of inquisition. Through you the "Voice
of America" will again be free to spread in-
formation for the benefit not only of Ameri-
cans but of all peoples, and it will become
a powerful encourager of education and intel-
ligent thought that shall cause time democracy
to prevail.
With warmest greetings and with grateful
memories of your kindness to me years ago, I am.
Sincerely yours.
March thirteenth, 19Sh
■f/e AC M
President Jordajp,
Radcliffe College,
Cambridge, Mass.
Dear Dr. Jordan,
I am so profoundly moved by your letter and your personal invi-
tation to be present at the Radcliffe College Commencement that I search
in vain for words to express rpy emotion adequately.
It is wonderfull the generous, beautiful thought you have outlined
of Radcliffe honoring my beloved teacher and me at Commencement' ttiis- year.
A more delightfiil way of honoring us could not be found than the gar-
den you suggest at Graduate Quadrangle and the fountain that would so
exquisitely symbolize Anne Sullivan's opening ny mind with the word
"■water. I cannot thank you verbally, but any plan you can conveniently
/ ■
have this idea take form and face will gladden me with the sense that
Anne Sullivan' s work is to be gloriously recognized as the generations
of students come and go through Radcliffe College.
WjiitxKBntdt jti jcgrgKtingaxx The 12th of June will suit me if it is
agreeable to you. I shall be accompanied by my friend and co-worker
Miss Polly Thomson.
With cordial greetings yourself and others who are interested in
your splendid memorial, I am.
Sincerely yours.
May twentieth, 195U.
Dear Mrs. Phinney,
From rry heart I thank you and the Radcliffe AHIrtinae
Association for the beautiful honor which you wish to
confer upon me. With awe and great appreciation I ac-
cept your invitation to be the first woman to receive the
Alumnae Achievement Award. Affectionately I look forward
to Radcliffe College's leadership of women in life and
work through the liberal arts that shall place them among
the guiding creators and light-bringing inspirers of the
human race.
Miss Ihomson and I will attend the luncheon on Sa-
turday Jime 12 th.
With happy anticipations, I am,
Sincerely yours.
Westport, Conn.,
May twenty-first, 195U.
ARCAN RIDGE
WESTPORT, CONN.
Dear Friends,
It Is an honor for mo to speak before the
oamegle Peace Foundation. For Andrew Oarnegle was a most
gracious, helpful friend to me, "Service to others," he said,
"is the true worship of God," and with his words shining In
ay memory I salute you.
welfare of the unfortunate you are bringing the peoples ever
closer together. Those who participate In global efforts for
the handicapped forget national onmitlee. Side by side, without
tumults or quarrels, labor the representatives of peoples who
in other assemblies think only of their own Interests, Your
work has broadened my concept of world unity.
In the Jnlted Nations millions of disabled, lnclu'-''ing the blind
and the deaf, have echoed the wish to be given a ctance to
live natur^^lly , to exercise their rights to education and
physical security and to work In accordance with the dignity
of their manhood and womanhood. In the growing number of
sufferers who demand Justice Is a moral pov.er — the unfathomed
power of ideas. Ideas civilize and unite peoples. And who
knowsi A new civilization may arise from the Idea t’ at the
disabled are capable of Joining forces with the normal for
the benefit of all mankind.
the blind or the deaf or the crippled Is to remove the
widespread, erroneous belief that, because a man Is severely
By encouraging world organlza' Ions for the
Ever. since the Code of Human Rights was proclaimed
The only way to make useful human beings out of
c'-irtalled in his physical powers, he cannot attain high
efficiency. The principle Is being established that the
disabled, through special tr Ining, are to becomo members of
normal society and Not a society of handicapped Individuals,
lilxperlence has shown that their environment should be such as
to permit them to develop their abilities and acquire strength
through self-help.
Dear friends, 1 plead with you whose work Is for peace
to exert your In'^luence that the handicapped everywhere may
gain a position which shall widen their opportunities end
lessen their exposure to war and Its dislocations. Purely there
1s no nobler way to win over the hearts and minds of the peoples
from hostility to world peace.
For the Lawyers
Dear Friends,
Kere verbal thanks cannot express ray appreciation
of the award which the Connecticut Ctate Bar Association has
conferred upon me. Only this I can say; 1 am deeply touched
by your friendly oncoura^ei^ier t in my efforts to create inner
light for the handicapped.
Ihon I ac proud to receive this honor in Connecticut —
a beautiful stats which I love as ray home, a state which was founded
by men and women who dared to be aagnanlmoua towards points of
view different from their own.
I ax not a lawyer, but like most laymen I am Interested
in the law as it affects our 3 Ives and in the influence of
lawyers upon society. I know that again and again in American history
the freedom without which we cannot think, apeak, and dissent
has been sustained only by bravo adherence to the law of the land.
It appears to me that this freedom is menaced brbxksxh once more.
Ve all, and especially you guardians of the law, have a weighty
resronsltllity to avert the danger to our liberties. Grim
experience reminds us that if we take these liberties for granted
they are doomed and the struggle for common law and Justice is in
vain.
I plead with you lawyers — men with a sense of
history and a love of Justice — to see to it that whenever our
rights and liberties are endangered, they shall bo defended by
duo process of law. Only then can we be victorious in the fight
for human freedom and dignity. Only thus can we create a world
wV ere all people shall l-.ave a chance to attain the precious blessings
of life, 11 bt, an 1 Justice.
K^.i-00
Spoflch for the Lions International
near Lions — my Knights of the Blind as I have always called you —
nhat a wonderful moment this is as I stand before you and think
of the light which you are spreading among the peoples of the world 1
Recently when I went to South and Central America to obtain data
concerning the blind I was privileged to visit the Lions in Lima
and in Panama. I had known that the Lions of the iJnited States
had chosen as their major activity the work for the blind, but I
had not realized how they had leaped over the walls of different
languages to unite in service to the captives of the dark.
During my Journey I found that more than half a million blind
persons live south of the United States and to my dismay I saw
that only a pitifully small number have friends able to lead them
along the dark road. Throughout Latin America the blind are
fighting for their education with only Braille hand slates as
their equipment. They must have Braille printing presses if the
accumulated treasures of literature, science and philosophy are to
enrich their desert lives.
About eighteen months ago a historic conference was held in
Montevideo by experts, many of them blind, from countries where
Spanish and Portuguese are spoken. Technical and linguistic
difficulties were overcome and since then the American Foundation
for Overseas Blind have cooperated to Install a modern Braille
press in Mexico. The two Foundations have also installed similar
equipment in Brazil for the publication of books in Portuguese,
but many blind are still crying out for books to develop their
minds and widen their oprortunltles.
2
I am encouraged to suggest that you Lions of all the
Americas combine to supply them with Braille printing equipment.
If this Idea pleases you, perhaps you from the United States
and you from Latin America can raise funds for a press to be
established In a carefully selected area from which embossed
books can go out to the blind of other regions. Certainly, dear
Lions, It would gratify me Inexpressibly If through your bounty
the blind of Latin America might draw freely on the bread and
water of literature to satisfy their cravings of mind and spirit.
’Sngllah Hedges
Helen i^eller
Ky acquaintance with Kngllnh hedges began In Cornwall In
April many years ago. We had landed at Plymouth, my teacher
Anne Sullivan Macy and our friend Polly Thomson, and there had
hired an automobile to drive us to the village of Looe for a
holiday. We found the streets of Plymouth so fascinating that
we nearly changed our minds about going on to Cornwall. Almost
every one we passed was carrying daffodils — baskets full, arms
full, pony carts full — and we bought all the car could hold from
an old woman for tan cents.
That was my first contact with the England of Shakespeare,
Shelley, and Wordsworth. But nothing I had read had given me any
Idea of what an English hedge 1s like. I had Imagined that they
were planted and gr^w straight from the ground as a privet hedge
grows. But they aren't that way at all.
Like many other beautiful things In England and elsewhere
they have their origin In homely necessity. v,'hen the land was
cleared for crops and pastures, and lanes were cut through them
which In time became roads, the sods, loose stones and underbrush
were left on the aides forming mounds. As the centuries passed
these moun'^s each year became thicker and thicker, higher and
more Inviting to wild things seeking a place of habitation. The
farmers kept them trimmed without taking away their uniqueness.
All kinds of wild flowers, ferns, and brambles have found a home
on these great banks, and In some places rows of trees, some very
large, have sprung up from needs scattered by the winds, forming
a super-hedge. Blackthorn, latirel, broom, hawthorn, and wild
cherry ere very fond of hedges and lavish upon them all their
b«aiity and fragrance.
Ye saw a hedge nine miles long of rhododendrons which bad
grovk-n Into trees and their crimson splendor took away oufr breath,
fefore the rhododendrons wore gone there came blllovs of apple,
pear, and cherry blossoms, mingled with the scents of lilies
and honey S'JcV:lo. Afterwards hawthorn, roses, peonies, and blue-
flags held high carnival In the lanes. I nosed through this
tangled wonderland, touching flowers until my fingers tingled
and breathing their perfume until my senses ached. And with the
•H
heavely scents the flutter of wings and the song of birds and the
music of the sea, washing away all the cares, all the strife, and
"all the old pains that to living belong."
iVory field In Cornwall Is bordered by these hedges, which
are entered either throu^ a gate or over a log or a stone
stile. I have clambered over many of these gates and stiles, Ihe
fanners don't object so long as one Is careful to close the
gates. The cattle and sheep, grazing In the lovely pastures, merely
lift up their heads as we pass. If the lambs bleat, the ewes look
at them reprovingly. In all uornwall there Isn't an unfenced field
such as we eee everywhere In America, but the fences are these
beautiful bodges.
and poems
Anne Sullivan Macy ' s Sayings
and
poems
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Catholic University, and iirn. Harriet Stanton d latch. Follov/ing the meeting
several hundred men and -.romen marched with amnesty banners from the theatre
to the White House gates and waited vd'dle a committee carried a resolution into
the Executive office.
DEiiOKSTRATIOre .
The demonstrations planned by the committee have taken the form of
picketing in front of the White House every day for one hour, beginning October
24th and continuing to date. The pickets carrj'- banners with appropriate in-
scriptions, reminding the President of his responsibility for keeping these men
in jail is quoting from the constitution, from the speeches of statesmen, and
telling of the action taken by other governments.
The first special demonstration was on November 11th, Armistice Day,
v/hen a picket line of more tlian 200 men and women from fourteen states marched
to the White House and stood wdth banners for an hour and then adjourned to La-
Fayette Square for a sticot meeting, addressed by the Rev, Smith 0. Dexter of
Concord, r&iss., and I'iss Helen Todd of New York.
On Thanksgiving Day, three men and three v/omen pickets, dressed in
puritan costumes, carried special banners. Pictures of this demonstration were
carried vddelyin the newspapers. A fev/ days before Christmas special Christmas
banners were carried and among those jlicketing was Congresswoman Winnifred l.feson
Huck with her son and daughter.
PUBLICITY.
The publicity done by the committee has consisted of news stories sent
to the 'Washington correspondents of papers throughout the country, whenever
there has been activity considered to have news value. Through the efforts of
the committees in Baltimore and Philadelphia, editorials on amnesty have been
secured in local newspapers. Editorials and syndicated editorials favoring the
release of political prisoners liave been secured in newspapers throughout the
country.
FimircE.
The financing of the vrerk of the committee, which v^as estimated at
§1,500 per montli, lias been as follows:
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Teacher’s Sayings
The world is full of light and song. The world is full of visible things that
sparkle and shine and sing. Forever that darkness and eyes that bum to break
tne seal of darkness.
With fingers of fire I touch thy weary eye-lids and lo, the seal of darkness is
broken. Suddenly like a thousand gleaming swords light comes, glorious
consu/ninauion thus to stand untrammelled of the senses. Free as the v/inds v/ith
vision limitless as the all-seeing mind. In guise of Sod's chastened messenger
I come to you my brothers with fingers of fire.
The world is full of visible things that shine aid sing — bird, fire a, id
star--for ears that listen anJ eyes that are bright. But to me the world is dark
night. Arrows of :ate fly true. But I wear it like a blossom in my riair.
Hunger and pestilence like a skulking wolf at every hucble door and
over all the dread menace of world-destroying v;ar, fear-vexed nearts and ever
active aid alert the treacherous leader in cunning disguise that sets their hearts
g sunder. Blood-bespattered fields denied the fructifying seeds of bounteous
life left to barrenness and waste, their sterility a hideous coaraentary on the
who
deeds of those xoatc rule over us.
Tells how the interminable hungers of life hurt, '^ow can the man
who sees his wretched wife tired always, clad in coarsest stuffs, nis dull,
old-faced babies tugging at her shapeless shirt. He looks with sullen resigna-
tion that tells novj that even little hope is dead how his degredation nurts.
Teacher's Sayings
Guide the torch and light of an all-aeeing viorld. Let me hide my burning
face In thy still gloom. Pour upon my impatient wrath the balm of thy silent
tides of night. Encompassed by darkness, v/ordless, bewildered, desolate,
encompassed by silence and utter darkness I am —
iVhat if my hunger is fed .vith all that seems most palatable, what if my
enemies bite the dust and fate's arrows are lightly ground beneath my feet,
what if my house is full of friends and laughter, what il my soul ascends on
wings of flame, »/hat if my garments of finest silk cling and jlIow if the
exidless lives tnat touch me as I pass are cold and hungry and joyless. My
spirit's light goes out. I grope in the darkness. The world is a windowless
dungeon.
Life tnat hangs- on a tyrant's whim. 'Intrustworthy things: woman's love that
must be bought, a soldier .-.Ith a sword in his hand, government's riches and
blind. They thought the world was made for chosen men. Now clearer judgment tears
the veil aside. So he knows that all the world is his to feed and clothe and
cherish and enjoy.
Ignorance hath entwined men's minds and made them strangely
Imagination -saints before my inward eye flower and star and his beloved
face. Should fancy cease ray world would be a prison, all impenetrably dark.
Teacher's Sayings
The busiest day is the day we staj' at home to rest and find a few little odd
jobs to do about the house.
When there is no light in the windows of M^the face
Only the born fool makes the same mistake twice
a
There are two things one engaged in/public v;ork is sure to meet v/ith and should
ignore; unintell igent criticism and pathos. The first can't hann and the second
can't help. They indicate more or less asininity. Nevertheless if the cause is
a good one and it doesn't succeed there is a reason and the thing to do is to find
it before trying again.
Teacher's Sayings
Unschooled in poetry, music, art, they eat the meagre loaf their hands
have eained to still their bellie^s' empty pain and ache. They eat and are
not glad at heart for the hunger of their souls is not appeased. They have no
bread .
I would I could vjrite a song with a thousand swords in every line.
They think ephemeral promises will heal this world's commotion.
Faith a taper burning in an empty room opens wide the gates of heaven
and all things by men ests€imed were mine as in a dream.
Singled out by the majesty of Fate to be the ccsnrade of the sad and dis-
pirited and disinherited. All miseries are woven in the substance of my
anguish, all the hurt and mained and desolate and blind turn to me for
sympathy as Catholics reverently pray to their Mother of Sorrows.
Comes the daybreak of thy deliverance o'er hills and through valleya--holy
fires of wisdom. It flows from peak to peak flooding land and sea with holy
light in ever widening floods of morning light. Thy wondering gaze beholds
revealed man's vision, dreams, and holiest aspiration eonsummated in the light
of day, in that red and quivering light , dawn, hushed and holy light, the track-
less vastitudea of space.
One moment I stand jpon the noble height. My spirit has won through love
and faith on sunlit peaks of thought. Freed at last from the restraining bands
of sense '.vith spiritual vision keen and swift I gaze fearlul and angered at the
brutal world of men. Lov;er than the beasts, they rend and kill each other.
Divine humanityl Created in Clod's image! These cruel, cu ving, broken shardsl
The new-b mi radiance in my soul at the sight went out. Utter blindness covered
me like a mantle of mortal pangs. Pangs from huraan hearts, immortal tears for human
wrongs made darkness sweet and death desirable. Oh dark, sweet, protecting
dark to thee I hold out beseeching hands. Fold me in they comforting cool wings.
f
Teacher' 8 Sayings
Last nl?ht you came to me, John. I do not know if it was a dream or your
spirit presence. I felt your step so near and you were the very same-r-your
manner and the smell of your clothes. I held your hand so tight and you called
me Bill, but I felt the same glad thrill I always felt when you put imm my hand
on your lips and said Hello Bill. Oh I was so happy because you had come back to
me. Home isn't just the same when you are not there. He walked in the hill wood
and we hunted toadstools and got a basket full that were good to eat. We walked
home through the field and you said, "This is like the old times," and the way
you said it brought peace to my heart. I can't tell if it v/as a dream or a
vision. I only know I have been happier today because you called me Bill in the
dear old way.
Teacher's Sayings
There are jonfused memories of groping soundless days of rain, of hurrying
footsteps of nameless persons moving, of horses, of animals, and flickering
annoy.ng contacts that made me fidget and whimper uneasily. Tears and fears
and falling and clutching, of hands tender and forceful, of face :lose to mine
and comi'orting arms round me, bananas and honey, wild grapes and persimiaons,
buckwheat cakes with sweet ^yrup,al 1 luscious nomeless things; rain, the smell
of earth and throbs in my ear drums that made me stand still afraid of strong
dark things; mornings hot and dripping, nights cool and odorous. I lean out of
a window. A. perfumed ivind blows my hair. I grope for it but it escapes through
my fingers.
Elemental things — hunger, fire, water
hot sands t'nat sting my bare feet
The flo'wer fields of the spirit are as wonderful as the bright gardens that
delight your eyes.
She has a face like a morning in spring.
Teacher's Sayings
V/e must not touch our idols. The gilt sticks to our fingers.
Battlefields, grim accusers of the v;icked deeds of men--interpreting in dumb
pantomime the significance of war and master minds at work.
Till they plant their flaming banners on the masthead of the future. Through
thoughts and words and deeds heroic, the ne'ii state
Imagination, the cunning master-key flings wide the gates of heaven.
The world v/as a child's playhouse. I was full of thoughts. I saw mothers suck-
ling their babies. I felt the thrill of their little fingers on my breasts,
‘.'illions of young people in the streets hunting work, love, food, pleasure,
forgetfulness. Restless, furtive, unsatisfied they track the streets.
Reckless hungry eyea marred, ugly fear — empty of thought, empty of joy, they
scurry and huddle through openings in the gray-like walls and plunge down
subway steps like 'water over a dam. ^
wild. apple rains sweet odors on the air.
Let me retrace the record of the years that made me what I am, a woman bo'jnd
upon a solitary rook, prey of the vultures of circumstance. Always straining at
my cnains, again and again beaten to my knees by forces stronger than my hu:nan
0U-.
will. Yet I am not beaten with my forehead in the dust. I stel moments of free-
A
dom. Clinging to the skirts of faith, I climb upwards to heights where I glimpse
bright worlds of thought, of love, a -d liberty. And through the midnight stillness
of my soul I hear the loud insistent moan of others in bondage and like me dis-
inherited, creatures who sigh and sleep and wake a sigh again.
A vision floats between me and earth's darkness.
T each er ' s Sayings
Night gathers the stars under her great soft wings and silently steals away.
I gaze into the glory of the sun and find it good.
Real sorrows are apparently at peace in the deep bed tnat they have made for
themselves where they seem to sleep though all the v;hile they never cease to
fret and eat away the soul (Balzac).
Mankind is laboring with heavy thoughts.
Does the soul only flower on nights of storm?
?/e are too driven to pay any tribute to friendship.
My treacherous eyesight balks me always about study and production. Y/hen I am
in a mood to read they betray me cursedly.
How often it happens that the thing we rashly assume to be impossible is found by
subsequent experiment to be possible and desirable.
A vision shines before me of men, my brothers--of workers, my comrades, Striving,
suftering, dying, they shape the age anew.
He was the embodiment of the power to make one think.
Verse •
' i Hands, understanding hands.
Hands that caress like delicate green leaves.
Hands, eager hands
Hands that gather knowledge fr*m great books, Braille
Hands that fill empty spaces with lovable things.
Hands so quiet, folded on a book
Hands forgetful of words they have read all night.
Hands asleep on the open page.
Strong hands that sow and reap thought.
Hands tremulous and ecstatic listening to music.
Hands keeping the rhythm of song and dance.
1
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S«me more of Teacher's poem on hands
She of the seeing hands
She of the treacherous shores of the dark
She reaches out her sensitive hands,
Her fingers utter silent words
And patiently play at seeing..
They trace columned walls
A rose hid from her eyes, a Greek frieze.
They are like blossoms, silently they glow
These marvellous hands glow like candle-flames
And flutter in the dark..
She smiles, she listens with her white hands
Hands that tremble with desire.
That rise like wings of music
And flash like falling stars through the night.
Like carrier pigeons they droop
The fingers that trace the ways of moon and star.
Above her head they wave in trees like leaves.
Bright hands, swift, swaying, pursuing hands,
Sager, fluttering, emotional hands.
Hands that are substitute for darkeneH e^es.
Imperious, significant hands
C the delicate ecstasy of artist hands!